Early Bread Ministry

The Church of St. Peter the Fisherman hosts a free breakfast every Sunday for the homeless and needy in Wilmington. Early Bread is a cooperative effort with Wesley Memorial United Methodist, Grace United Methodist, St. Andrews Covenant Presbyterian, and several other county churches which send volunteers every Sunday to cook, serve, minister, and clean. Early Bread started in May of 1999, and, since then, has fed more than 25,000 people. We "feed the soul and spirit" of an average of 150-200 people each Sunday. Approximately 90 percent of those served are men; some are veterans. Our van and those of our partner churches, pickup from Good Shepherd, Mercy House, Salvation Army, the downtown library, and other locations. On our most recent Sunday, we fed more than 180 people!


Other services we provide include a clothes closet, toiletry items, medical screening, job referrals, and access to rehabilitation centers. Biblical video programs, Bible-based12-step programs, and Holy Communion are also available. All guests are welcomed to join us in our regular 10 a.m. worship service at St. Peters.

An active prayer ministry covers the whole operation. Lately we have especially prayed for jobs for our guests. Prayer is available immediately upon request, and they are also written down so they may be lifted up in our churches and prayer groups.

NEEDS

Donated funds and food for this program provide a standard menu for breakfast of scrambled eggs, toast-- either plain or with cheese-- grits, fruits, cereal, sweet cakes, and orange juice, milk, and coffee. Early Bread serves from 7:00 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. every Sunday. Workers arrive as early as 5:30 a.m. to prepare the meal.

Although the ministry continues to provide services for the homeless and needy, Early Bread itself is in need. It takes approximately $1000 per month to purchase the food, supplies and keep our van running. All of these funds come from donations and we are constantly seeking new donations. Donations may be sent to:

Church of St Peter the Fisherman
314 South Carolina Ave
Wilmington, NC 28401

In the memo section note: For Early Bread and 100% of your donation will go to this ministry. All donations are tax deductible. There is always a need for more volunteers to help in the kitchen with food preparation and serving as well as with driving and greeting people with a friendly smile at the door. If you want to help, contribute, or just have questions, please contact David Hueholt, 515-0765, or Stacy Nemec, 793-6640.