Mount Calvary bishop feeds his congregation
By CHRISTINE HAINES
chaines@yourmvi.com
Christ’s directive to “Feed my sheep” is something Bishop Karl Jackson takes literally as well as spiritually.
The pastor of Mount Calvary Baptist Church in Monessen has long been preparing breakfasts for young people before Sunday morning services once a month. As one of 12 children, he learned his way around the kitchen at a young age and feels it’s important to pass on the values that come with preparing a meal from scratch.
When the coronavirus pandemic forced the closure of the church for in-person services, he decided he needed to do more than stream the services on Facebook.
“I’m taking classes at the Center for Urban Bible Ministries in Pittsburgh,” Jackson said. “One of my classes in Christian leadership was called ‘The Servant as Leader’ and it really helped me focus on who I am. I was watching the news and people were out doing things, but I wasn’t doing anything. I told my wife, ‘I’m going to feed God’s people.’”
That was the start of his seven-week Sunday dinner delivery during the lockdown.
“I have no problem coming out of the pulpit and putting on an apron,” Jackson said.
The first Sunday he kept it simple: a spaghetti dinner he and his wife prepared and delivered to about 50 members of the congregation with the help of church members Ernie Henderson and Angie Ferretti.
“My wife and I did it as a seed ministry. It’s been replenished over and over,” Jackson said.
To read the rest of this story, please see a copy of Friday’s Mon Valley Independent, call 724-314-0035 to subscribe or subscribe to our online edition at https://e.monvalleyindependent.com.
