Homeless or lonely Kendall County residents can find a free lunch and friendship at Church of the Good Shepherd United Methodist in Oswego.

Celebrating its fifth anniversary, the church’s Grace Meal is offered 52 weeks annually.

Oswego resident Lorraine Beasley coordinates the meal and is head chef. About 40 volunteers–including Pastor Phil Sheets–serve up to 50 guests weekly, with no time off for holidays.

Volunteers also deliver to John and Angie Amwoza and their children weekly. John is recovering from throat cancer.

According to Beasley, “We have mastered biscuits, meatloaf, chili, gravy, turkey with the trimmings, and on Shrove Tuesday, Quiche Lorraine, pancakes, and crepes.

“Judy Schurman made us a crepe just like she learned in England. We shared the story of pancake races in England on Shrove/Fat Tuesday.

“We enjoy listening to our guests’ stories and offering then a warm friendly setting with good nutritious food. For some, it is their only meal for that day.

“One family passing through Oswego stopped by Good Shepherd and shared their story with Pastor Phil.

“They hadn’t eaten for three days because they were out of money. Pastor Phil brought them to Fellowship Hall. They were very grateful for the hot meal and a dinner to go.

“We also have our regular guests and we know everyone by first name,” Beasley said.

St. Luke’s Lutheran Church in Montgomery shares a donation from Panera Bread. Other donors are Good Shepherd’s United Methodist women and men’s groups, fellowship team and Sunday school students and teachers.

Lunch leftovers are frozen, repurposed or donated to needy families.
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In addition to Beasley and Pastor Sheets, volunteers include Judy and Chuck Schurman, Janet McCarty, Claudia Bleeker, Miron, Tracy, Jeremy, Alicia and Katrin Johnson, Ric Kayer, Darrell and Gail Voitik, Diane and Dennis Clodi, Paul Staschke, Dennis Beasley, Janet Reardon, Chuck and Joy Maass.

Pastor Sheets added, “Anyone can come here for a meal.

“It’s something that is given to everybody, whether they deserve it or not.”

Al Benson

Freelance Photo-Journalist

Al Benson is an Aurora-based freelance photo-journalist. He is currently an archives research specialist at Aurora University. His work has appeared in The Voice, The Daily Herald, The Beacon-News, and the Chicago Tribune.