There’s a saying that you should spread love as thick as you would peanut butter. At Trinity Lutheran Church and School in Monroe they are doing just that.
Throughout the month of April, Trinity Lutheran is collecting peanut butter and jelly to share with community food banks and pantries. Alison Beeker came up with the idea last year, after volunteering at a local food pantry, Oaks Village. Beeker noticed an empty shelf that only had 2 jars of peanut butter. Beeker felt God tugging at her to do something about it. She started the PB&J drive in April of last year and the church and school helped collect over 1500 jars.
“The very first time I walked in and saw all the peanut butter last year, I was moved to tears,” said Beeker.
Beeker and Trinity have a goal to eclipse 2000 jars of peanut butter and jelly this April. Just last week, one family pulled up to the church and unloaded a trunk full of peanut butter—600 jars. Trinity’s pastor, Rev. Mark Duerr, has been impressed with how the church and school have responded. “It’s really awesome to see the Trinity family step forward and care for this need in our community,” said Rev. Duerr.
Every jar of peanut butter or jelly gets a special label. The label has an invitation to join the Trinity Lutheran family at worship services on Saturday and Sunday. “At least they’re getting the Bread of Life with their peanut butter,” said Beeker.
Beeker and the PB&J ministry is a great example how one person with an idea can make a big difference. “It’s easy, it’s inexpensive, and it can make a huge impact in the community. If we all group together then we can help the people that need the help,” said Beeker.
To find out more about the Peanut Butter and Jelly ministry, go to tlcmonroe.org or call the church office at 734.242.2308.
Video by Jeff Heisner/Michigan District, LCMS. Photos courtesy of Trinity, Monroe.
