The members of Florin Church of the Brethren want to feed the community - both physically and spiritually. They will hold a free Breakfast Bowl on Saturday, Aug. 20, at the church, 815 Bruce Ave. The meal will be served from 9 to 9:30 a.m., with devotional time from 9:30 to 10 a.m.

According to Bob Price, event organizer, the Breakfast Bowl will serve many purposes. "People are hurting in a lot of different ways," he said. "Lack of food is one problem. While this day won't make a significant difference in the long-term, it can help that day. Lack of people to talk to is another problem. People are lonely. This is an opportunity for fellowship."

The church served the free community breakfast once a month for about three years before the pandemic paused the event in 2020. This month's meal marks the return of the breakfast, with some modifications. The menu will include eggs, sausage, hash browns, pancakes, muffins, fruit, juices and coffee. "We will have table hosts at each table to facilitate conversation and listen or pray if the other people would like," Price said, noting that the table hosts are a direct result of surveys from past breakfast attendees. "We are hoping the table hosts will get feedback from the people they talk to so we can truly meet the needs of the people coming to the breakfast."

Nancy Shonk, who is a member of the church kitchen committee, said Florin Church has a reputation for its food ministry. It's known in the community for serving homemade whoopie pies and hosting regular luncheons throughout the year. "The Breakfast Bowl is a way for us to expand on our food ministry," Shonk noted. "It's also an opportunity to connect people to resources in the community." Past breakfasts have featured presentations by community organizations, the police department and other groups.

Price remarked that previous breakfasts have averaged more than 140 people, and he hopes the restarted event will continue to grow as the church plans to host the Breakfast Bowl on the third Saturday of the month year-round. "The potential for the breakfast is tremendous," he stated. "It's about building relationships with people in our community. It's about reaching people in need and helping them."

The community is invited to enter the church through the carport and double glass doors into the fellowship hall, where the breakfast will be served.