Story submitted by Ann DiPlacito, co-chair of Missions & Outreach Committee
Sunday Supper
Aldersgate United Methodist Church
15 Years of Loving and Feeding Our Neighbors
Founded in 2010 by St. Paul’s Episcopal Church (AUMC’s across-the-street neighbor), Sunday Supper is a dedicated ecumenical collaboration of six Tustin-area congregations that take turns providing a freshly cooked meal and groceries to our community every week.
Our guests include people who are: unhoused; workers living on a limited income; seniors; families; immigrants; or simply lonely friends looking for fellowship. We serve an average of 75 – 80 people per week, many times more.
Sunday Supper is a safe haven where all are welcome. Our interfaith partnerships are our strength. Our guests are our heart.
Aldersgate UMC has served Sunday Supper on the 3rd Sunday of every month since October 2010, even during the pandemic. Support comes from individual donations, an annual JCEMT grant, and Second Harvest Food Bank. Over 30 volunteers help with setup, cooking, serving meals restaurant-style, grocery distribution, and cleanup. Volunteers from University UMC and Newport Center UMC have recently joined us in this sacred work.
Galatians 6:2 “Carry one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.”
As we honor Hunger Action Month, we invite you to explore more stories of how churches are serving their neighbors and addressing food insecurity. Read more inspirational stories here.
