From left:  Rev. Marianne Morgan, Marge Pratt, Lisa Palise, Cindy Schleiker, Mary Warren, and Wilma Kellerman are some of Northminster's volunteers with the ERA project.

When Cindy Schleiker was ordained as a deacon at the Northminster Church in Fairless Hills, she decided that she’d like to learn more about the Emergency Relief Association (ERA) located just about a mile from the church. A Northminster member for five years, she knew the congregation helped the ERA each year at Thanksgiving and Christmas time, and she decided to visit, see what their needs are and what services they offer.  Little did she know that what she found would help shape a new ministry for her. Cindy’s curiosity turned into passion.

And the church’s involvement has grown to become weekly.

Cindy found an overwhelming shortage of food at the ERA – an organization that has been in existence for 35 years, just like the church. There was nothing in their pantry and the “amazing lady” in charge did not know what to do. She learned that the ERA provides 74,000 meals to families and provides five days worth of food when clients visit. In January 2006 they had 414 clients – 207 children, 204 adults, and three seniors. They provided 6,210 meals to 108 families. Their numbers are running higher this year than in previous years. 

Cindy made an appeal to her congregation, and because she has just one leg also asked for help delivering contributions.  Volunteers came forward.  They set up a table in the  church’s overflow room  where people leave what they can. Every week Cindy visits the shelter to see what they need. Every week she stands before her congregation and relates these needs. And every week members and friends respond generously. From September through Christmas last year they gave nearly 800 pounds of food. From January to May 2006 they have contributed $300 and 645 pounds of food. One member’s aunt, whose church has closed, sends a check each month to support the effort and feels this helps her stay involved.

With summer coming, there is concern that the kids who received free breakfasts at school won’t be getting breakfast, so they’re planning to provide cereal and breakfast foods.  Cindy says, “I’ve learned that we may be a small church yet we have awfully big hearts. When people see and hear what we’re doing, they respond most generously. Our new pastor, Marianne Morgan, has been with us about two years, and she’s helping us gain energy and enthusiasm. We’re trying to spruce things up at the church, getting younger people involved, and happily welcome new faces. If my ministry helps keep the church going, I’ll do it as long as I can.” 

This special project is testament that when one person feels passionate about a need or an opportunity and runs with an idea, great things can happen.

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