(Photos submitted) Bags are filled for customers as First Christian Church hosts Angel Food Ministry.

Just a short while ago the congregation of First Christian Church realized their need to make a better effort to offer outreach and evangelism in their community. After watching food prices dramatically increase, and after learning from their local school district that as many as 42 percent of students were on free and reduced lunches, they decided that Angel Food Ministries was right for them.

The First Christian Church is again hosting the Angel Food Ministry from 6-8 p.m. June 4, 5-7 p.m., June 7, and 9-10 a.m. and 12-1 p.m., June 8.

The public can order boxes of food that contain fresh meats, fresh or frozen fruits and vegetables, and staple items at an extremely low price. This is not "day-old" or "outdated" food. Each box contains approximately $65 worth of groceries for only $30.

Boxes of product were available on site to fill orders for the Angel Food effort at First Christian Church.

You will be able to pick up the food ordered, from 1:30-3 p.m., June 21. Each month you will have an opportunity to order food.

Angel Food Ministries is a nearly-nationwide ministry based out of Monroe, Ga., which partners with local congregations to provide a low-cost food ministry for their communities. Each month people have the opportunity to buy a box of groceries for $30, groceries which would ordinarily cost more than double that amount at the store. This ministry is not a fundraiser for the church. First Christian offers this ministry because it provides a way to meet the needs of the community, get people in the doors of the church, build relationships, and create opportunities to share the gospel.

In their first month, First Christian Church of Spencer impacted the lives of 146 different households from theirs and surrounding communities. Additionally, a Lutheran congregation in Terril, IA and an Assembly of God congregation in Sioux Falls, SD, partnered with them to bring this ministry to their communities, also. Altogether the three congregations sold 403 units of food this month. Pastor Dan Mayes shared his praise for this ministry, saying, "We're so excited about what God is doing here! Obviously, a great need is being met through this ministry and we anticipate that it will continue to grow. And we pray that it will provide us with many opportunities to share the good news of God's love with many more people."

First Christian Church will continue to offer Angel Food Ministry every month as they see it making a positive difference in the community.

* For more information on upcoming order dates and times, as well as the current menu, visit www.spencerdisciples.org.