By Ron Capshaw
Contributing Writer

For those seeking a home-cooked meal complete with musical entertainment and an atmosphere of fellowship, the Hope Ministry supper table may just be the ticket.

Now a year old, this free supper offered by the Little Zion Baptish Church on the third Saturday of each month was the brainchild of church member Mamie Scott.

Scott, a member of the Women’s Ministry, had long been a proponent of “going outside the walls of the church and helping the community.” When she noticed that the previous sponsor of the supper table was no longer able to carry it on, she suggested the idea to her pastor, Dr. Gregory Beechaum. Dr. Beechaum thought the idea “outstanding” and the program previously done by other churches was adopted by his.

The current economic crisis has helped the attendance at the supper swell. “Last year we served 25 people,” Dr. Beechaum says. “This year we are serving 50-75.”

The majority of the volunteers or servers are church members.

Beechaum says food, music and atmosphere of the suppers has really “encouraged and put a smile on the faces” of those suffering from the economic crisis. “We care and appreciate them,” he says. “We don’t judge them but instead offer them fellowship.” A choir often offers entertainment at the events and door prizes are sometimes offered.

The leftover food is taken to seniors in the area at their homes. “We are currently serving about 25-30 elderly residents,” he says.

Beechaum also offers the needy in the area the church’s Foodbank: “We were buying them groceries but we found we didn’t have enough money. We discovered it was cheaper to buy by the pound.” Food Lion supplies some of the food, and the rest comes from donations of canned goods by church members and other Powhatan residents.

Those interested in either attending or helping at the monthly suppers are encouraged to call Mamie Scott at (804) 382-9154 or Toni Beechaum at (804) 276-1126.