The Lord's Prayer continues with the words "our daily bread". St. Peter's Kitchen offers our daily bread and more. The weather was getting cold when I first walked down the basement steps. I came to eat but really wasn't hungry. My appetite disappeared for nearly a year. My clothes were loose and friends were worried. I didn't know what to expect as I pushed through the door. I came as is; without hearing, my only skill is reading lips. It might be easier this way, no conversation, I could be what I wanted, an invisible person.

A kind man greeted me at the door, and showed me the trays and wrapped napkins. Then, I saw outstretched arms. Before I knew what I was doing, I opened my arms too and got a warm and caring hug. I moved through the food line, each person asking whether I would like the main course, vegetables, salad, fruit, dessert and juice. There was compassion and respect in their eyes. I saw warmth and smiles. This was not what I expected~it was so much better.

This winter, I've come again and again to St. Peter's Kitchen. I come for the hugs, the food, the shared harvest of breads, coats, clothes, socks, calendars and friendship. I now choose to be visible and share my life with others. I can feel some appetite now and then. I come to regain a sense of the familiar; where each day I have worth, I am important, I can meet another's needs. I'm finding that I am so much closer than I thought. I needed an anchor while I worked to steer my life in the right direction. I needed to know there was a safe place for me, where it mattered if I showed up. I needed to know I could feed myself with bread when funds were low. I found all of it at St. Peter's Kitchen. Now, life is starting to show signs of progress, just in time for spring. The new green growth ready to poke through the snow will echo the hope growing in my grateful heart.

Anonymous.

He doesn't remember what happened. He was the second victim from our guests this week. Of course they stole all of his cash, id's and anything of value. Even his hygiene products such as shampoo, soap, etc. were taken.

We were able to send him home with a hot meal, restocked shampoo, soap, etc. and talked with him as he was so embarrassed by the way he looked. Not much, really, but it meant alot to him. We encouraged him to see a Doctor, but like most of our guests they opt to wait and see if it's really necessary.  

Thank you for your donations that allow us to serve those like "John". We are so aware of how you are a part of this ministry in your prayers, donations of time, money and needed items. We are grateful to be the "front line" of God's generosity through you. Please keep "John" in your prayers for continued healing.

We are excited to welcome our New Board Members:

Bob and Marge Stuver

Bob and Marge Stuver have been long time weekly volunteers at St. Peters for over 15 years. They bring a wonderful perspective as they know the daily operations of our mission. They started volunteering, as good friends of Sr. Barbara Kuhn, our past Director, and have dedicated many hours to this ministry. Bob is a retired plumber and we sure know who to call when we have a plumbing problem. Marge does parish volunteer work also. Together they offer great insight and practicality in our everyday decisions.

Deacon Kevin Carges

Deacon Kevin Carges did an internship at Sts. Peter's and Paul's Parish years ago and became an active supporter of St. Peter's Kitchen. Along with the duties of being a Deacon with the Catholic Church, he also runs his own printing business in Canandaigua and for the last couple of years has helped us with all of our printing needs. He arranged for his Men's Club from Macedon to come the third Friday of each month to volunteer and the men have been so loyal and dependable. He has graciously accepted a Board Position and brings to us his business experience and great sense of compassion.

Our piano player Kathy from Temple Sinai did a great job playing Christmas Carols. The music truly added to the festive atmosphere. The volunteer's requests to help this year were unbelievable. We recommend you call early if you would like to serve next year. We start taking requests the first week of Dec.

Thanks to all who supported this day. Our benefactors, food suppliers and volunteers. It is amazing when it all comes together and we experience such gratitude.

Holiday Cheer	A Happy Couple
A Welcoming Table	Merry Christmas
Kathy our piano player with guest	Volunteers, Volunteers and more Volunteers