Thrivent Volunteers do Pancake Breakfast for the Homeless

With pandemic related modifications, Grace Lutheran has resumed Pancake Breakfasts for the Homeless. This past Sunday, it was Faith Lutheran Thrivent volunteers’ turn to host.

We first set up seating tables and properly spaced chairs outside in the courtyard patio. We also prepared to serve juice and coffee outside.

Inside…rookie Rob King overcame an early batter spill (bad machine setting, not his fault) and went on to earn a masters degree in mixology (cum laude) in his first test on the pancake batter-mixing-machine.

Meanwhile, at least two teams spelled each other and braved the heat to produce golden pancakes on the steamy hot oven griddle.

Then in assembly line fashion, other Faith volunteers put together and served plates each with three pancakes, two sausages, butter, and utensils (syrup already on outside tables).

We served 120 pancake meals. There were many “thank yous” mixed with a few looks into the lives of the recipients: the Penn State graduate currently on the streets…the man unable to find housing for the last two years and unable to afford a needed hernia operation… and the young  woman who has attended a class which has trained her to offer peer support  to fellow homeless persons and often successfully connect them to agencies which can provide help. Including an earlier shopping trip to Costco to replenish Grace’s pancake breakfast inventory (with the aid of a $250 Thrivent Action Team grant)

Twenty-three Faith Thrivent volunteers contributed to Pancake Breakfast Day 2021: Heidi and Calvin Boldway, Jan Flaaten, Caroline Rowlett, John and Suzanne Johnstonbaugh, John Conrad Johnstonbaugh, Rob King, Sean Ross, Shane Biles, Brenda Lund, Fred Cowley, Paul Bott, Diane Havir, Jennie Carr, Dave and Jan Hulin, Barbara Andrew, Benny and Maricela Olmedo, Scott Ulmer, Judi Tyler, and Robin Patryas. Thanks to each volunteer and thanks to Grace Lutheran for its loving ministry to the homeless!