Serving up kindness

Plates of ham, potatoes and vegetables

steamed as Capital Electric employees and directors served supper to approximately 230 guests at Trinity Lutheran Church on July 5.

This food ministry, known as “The Banquet,” began in July 2005 after research showed a need to feed hungry people in the community.

Tudy Fennern, Banquet director, says Trinity Lutheran Church looked at the feasibility of supporting and serving as the host church to feed bodies and souls back in March 2005. Inspired by the Banquet in Sioux Falls and Yankton, S.D., and encouraged by the spirit of Christ to follow His example in feeding the hungry, Trinity Lutheran Church saw an overwhelming need to provide the weekly meal.

“After doing some research, we discovered there were approximately 4,100 households or 16,000 people in the Bismarck-Mandan area on food stamps and/or Medicaid, along with approximately 90 homeless children in the school system.

“We opened our hearts and doors to this ministry to serve a hot meal once a week, free of charge, provided by many churches and local business,” she says.

Laurie Rogstad, accounting clerk, distributed bread with her niece, Teresa, and daughter, Kelsey (left to right). Rogstad says it was humbling to serve people in need.

As a local business that operates under the Touchstone Energy® values of integrity, accountability, innovation and commitment to community, Capital Electric, on behalf of its employees and directors, chose to sponsor a meal.

Almost 20 employees volunteered to work at the Banquet, along with their family and friends. Some heaped food on plates while others served guests or cleaned tables. Louis Ciavarella, information technology specialist for Capital Electric, sang patriotic songs.
Laurie Rogstad, accounting clerk with the co-op, asked her daughter, Kelsey, and niece, Teresa, to help serve.

“When they learned they could serve people less fortunate, they wanted to help,” she says.

“It was an eye-opening experience to see so many people come together. It was humbling, knowing many of those people really needed nourishment and conversation. Putting things in perspective, I think the experience helped us all realize we are so fortunate.”

Justin Morgen, engineering technician with the co-op, served ham and washed dishes. Simple yet thoughtful, he summed up the evening.

“It was a really nice thing to do.”