The Table frompg 1

Since the church is housed in the former Birdsboro Elementary Center, the meals are prepared and served in what once was the school cafeteria. “We get to meet some of the people who worked at the old school in years past, and they tell us about the building, and there are some old teachers and maintenance workers that come in,” Nolt noted. “It’s a nice meal. Sometimes people hang out and socialize (after dinner).”

The ministry has grown since its formation, and now between 75 and 115 people attend The Table each month. “The other nice thing is we have 35 to 40 volunteers every single meal,” Nolt pointed out. “We have a baking team that provides desserts. (Last month), 12 ladies in our church made 125 to 130 cupcakes.”

In addition to eating dinner, children are invited to take part in a craft activity. Past crafts have included making gingerbread houses, coloring and decorating cookies to eat. The activity for April will include planting a flower seed in a pot to take home.

Future plans call for a graduation party to be held for June’s meal. “Some people do not have the opportunity to have their own (parties),” Nolt said. “We have 15 or 20 seniors in our church alone. It will be a nice treat.”

Nolt added that Helping Harvest (formerly the

Greater Berks Food Bank) operates a food pantry at the same time as The Table in a separate room in the school building. Helping Harvest provides free food items for qualified residents.

Abundant Life Church is located at 400 W. Second St., Birdsboro. For more information, call 610-582-7474 or visit www.facebook.com/Abundant LifeBirdsboro or www.abundant lifebirdsboro.com.

Small Engine Service & Repair