Midtowners walking by the corner of 21st and J on the last two Sundays of the month will see as many as 200 of our hungry neighbors lined up, eager to share in a warm, hearty breakfast offered to any of our community members in need of a meal. Sacramentans of all ages, from small children to senior citizens, many of whom spent the previous night without a roof or a bed are greeted with a hot cup of coffee and a warm smile from members of the First United Methodist Church of Sacramento’s congregation.

“I think many of our guests on Sunday morning feel cared for and honored by the way they are treated here," Pastor Kathi McShane said. "We try to make them feel like they're in a restaurant rather than a soup kitchen -- flowers on the tables, servers, friends from the church to sit and have breakfast with them. Many of them know Rev. Linda from Friendship Park and I make a point of walking around and welcoming the guests at every table. We really do believe that every one of them brings the presence of God in with them.”

Congregation members come together early on these Sunday mornings to prepare and serve breakfast. About two dozen, young and old, give up sleep and a portion of their Sunday to cook pancakes and sausages, scramble eggs, brew coffee, pour juice and serve their guests.

“I find that this is the most compelling thing the church does, in terms of inviting new people to participate. One of the first things new visitors ask me is, ‘How can I get involved in the Community Breakfast?’” McShane said. “It's a little miracle each week -- with little budget and no paid staff, somehow the food and the people appear to make it happen.”

Each morning at 8:30 a.m., the social hall is quickly filled with hungry bellies, eager to enjoy a warm breakfast and a warm place to socialize with friends. The friendly servers offer coffee, juice, milk and fruit before one of the guests leads the group in a prayer that is often as diverse as the guests. All community members are welcome, regardless of beliefs.

The Community Breakfast has changed the church," McShane said. "It's a regular reminder that our neighbors are hungry and that the church's work is to be in ministry alongside of them. What makes me feel most full and satisfied is when the guests from the breakfast begin to participate in other aspects of the church's life -- worship, other activities. Then I really know they've felt welcome and included.”

First United Methodist Church invites all members of our community to join us for breakfast on the last two Sundays of each month. Breakfast is served from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. Anyone interested in helping with or supporting the breakfasts can call the church office at 446-5025.