Community Invited To One-Night Celebration

Several years ago, three couples founded the Soup, Sandwich, and Talk events that were held in Gap. Each program included a variety of free soups and sandwiches with a short sermon. The programs were the predecessor to the creation of WordUp Community Ministries, a local church.

"Soup, (Sandwich), and Talk started five years ago," said Buck Mowday, who founded the events along with his wife, Verna; Rodney and Stephanie Smoker; and Lloyd and Gail Murphy. Buck recalled that the evening program stopped when WordUp Community Ministries, moved into a new facility at Dutchland Inc., 160 Route 41, Gap. "We are getting back to our roots (now)," said Buck. "We want to include the community. This is open to the public, and it doesn't cost a dime."

With that goal in mind, a special anniversary Soup, Sandwich, and Talk will be held at the Gap Fire Company, 802 Pequea Ave., Gap, on Thursday, Oct. 13, from 6 to 8 p.m. "We will have free soup and sandwiches and water," said Buck, who noted the soups would be served cafeteria-style from slow cookers.

Buck said that all six founders will be there to discuss how Soup, Sandwich, and Talk started and where WordUp is now. "It (will be) very casual and relaxed," said Buck. "We believe the best way to communicate to people about Christ is through relationships."

As leader of WordUp, Buck noted that his lifetime Scripture, which is Mark 10:45, helps set the tone of the ministry. "Jesus said, 'I didn't come here to be served, but I came to serve,'" said Buck. "We just want to serve the community in Gap and the surrounding area." Buck added that he hopes the service that church members perform has a ripple effect. "One way that we can serve God is by me serving you, so you can serve others, so others can serve others," he said.

WordUp holds Sunday services at the Dutchland facility, with a cafe opening at 10 a.m. and services beginning at 10:45 a.m.

More information may be found by searching for "WordUp Community Ministries" on Facebook or visiting http://www.wordupcommunityministries.org.