The line had already begun to form outside Fifth Avenue Presbyterian Church.

On a hot Wednesday afternoon, volunteers packed lunches and welcomed neighbors as they arrived. Among those helping were members of Fifth Avenue’s youth group, who had come to assist with A Place at the Table, a weekly meal ministry for those experiencing hunger and homelessness.

Earlier this spring, the youth group raised $8,123 through the Souper Bowl of Caring, an annual fundraiser supporting missions and outreach. Half of the proceeds benefited Meals on Heels, while the other half was donated to A Place at the Table. This summer, they put that generosity into action.

“In the Bible Jesus was helping the poor a lot,” said August, a ninth grader helping at A Place at the Table for the first time. He had previously volunteered with his confirmation class at Game Day for those experiencing homelessness.

The students packed each lunch with cutlery and a napkin before handing it to guests. The day’s meal featured beef, cabbage, rice, carrots, and a corn cake. Along with the meal, coffee, water, sunscreen, vitamin C, and body wipes were distributed to help guests stay healthy during the summer heat.

Many smiled and offered words of thanks as they received their lunch.

One guest asked the students why they were spending part of their summer serving instead of attending camp.

“That question made me laugh,” said the Rev. Werner Ramirez, associate pastor for congregational care and family ministries. “I am truly grateful that our students take time to welcome neighbors in need.”

More than a meal

Every Monday and Wednesday, A Place at the Table provides around one hundred and twenty meals outside the church on Fifty-Fifth Street. As part of the Fifth Avenue Ecumenical Outreach Partnership, a collaborative ministry of Fifth Avenue Presbyterian Church, Saint Thomas Church, and St. Patrick’s Cathedral, the ministry offers more than nourishment.

Alongside food and fellowship, guests can receive case management, referrals for housing, addiction recovery, health care, and mental health services.

“A Place at the Table quietly and humbly does the work of the gospel,” said Christine Boyle, director of outreach and missions. “We’re so grateful that the Fifth Avenue youth joined us in this holy work.”

To serve is to pay attention

After the meal ended, Ramirez gathered the students for a time of reflection.

Reading from the twenty-fifth chapter of the Gospel of Matthew, Ramirez invited the youth to listen for a word or phrase that stood out, reflect on its meaning, and consider how it connected to their afternoon of service. Lectio Divina, an ancient Christian practice, invites participants to notice the Spirit of God at work through Scripture and in their daily lives.

That same attentiveness is part of A Place at the Table every week. Every Monday and Wednesday volunteers practice seeing the humanity of every guest and the ways they bear the image of God.

The youth were paying attention.

Victoria, a ninth grader, noticed the word “shepherd,” connecting it to the ministry of caring for neighbors in need. Charlotte, a sixth grader, was especially moved by Christ’s words, “I was hungry and you gave me food.”

August reflected on the word “separation,” noticing the contrast between those waiting patiently for lunch and the hustle of commuters passing by on the sidewalk.

“Our students are both caring for the least of these in Midtown and growing in their awareness of the injustices that contribute to poverty,” Ramirez said.

After caring for their neighbors and reflecting on Scripture, the students left with a deeper appreciation for the ministry that takes place every Monday and Wednesday outside Fifth Avenue Presbyterian Church.

Interested in volunteering? Learn more about A Place at the Table and the Fifth Avenue Ecumenical Outreach Partnership here.