SALINAS — On Saturday, Feb. 24, from 2 to 4 p.m., First United Methodist Church at 404 Lincoln Ave. in Salinas will celebrate the remodeling of its kitchen, which is not only used for church functions, but also to provide meals to anyone in need six days a week. The event is free and the public is invited to attend.
The project started just before the Covid pandemic in 2020, and, said Pastor Steve Lundin, “We have faced many challenges and delays along the way including opposition, growing costs, fundraising, the pandemic, supply chain delays and labor shortages. But what is important is that we stuck to our mission of serving those in need. We never stopped serving. Our partner churches warmed up food in their kitchens and we served outdoors all through the pandemic. Now we are just happy to have a new kitchen, food pantry, and restrooms. This just helps us to fulfill our mission more fully.”
Interim Salinas City Manager Jim Pia will bring greetings from the city, and former FUMC Salinas pastor Jim Luther, who began the homeless program with a crockpot of chili more than a decade ago, will share his thoughts. Cantor Margaret Bruner of Temple Beth El will offer a blessing.
Superintendent Rev. Dr. Samuel Hong of the El Camino Real District of the California-Nevada Conference of the United Methodist Church will speak, and representatives of the Los Altos United Methodist Church, which provided significant financial and spiritual support throughout the project will attend, including Pastor Kathi McShane and Pastor Dave Samuelson. Other local government representatives have been invited, as well.
Music will be provided by the church’s musicians and Tongan Choir, the Los Altos choir, and the Courthouse Ramblers, a bluegrass band. Tours of the facility will be available. A freewill offering will be received to assist with the church’s ongoing ministry.
FUMC Salinas, founded in 1870, now comprises two campuses, one on Lincoln Avenue and one in East Salinas on N. Madeira Avenue.
