Loaves and Fishes Too is an ecumenical and non-denominational program that feeds the hungry in the twin cities area. It started in 1982, serving out of two sites. Eighteen years later, it serves five meals a week at six sites. St. Raphael's has participated in the program for these past 18 years, and many of the original people still cook and serve. St. Raphael's assigned day to cook at serve at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in North Minneapolis is the third Wednesday of each month. The cooks arrive around 2:00 PM, and the servers arrive at 5:15 PM. Serving starts at 5:30 and continues until 6:30 PM. After the last guest has been served, the cooks and servers eat. The servers then clean up the dining area, which takes about a half-hour. There are three teams of servers, each team serving every third month. The same cooks work every month. A large group of volunteers also makes cupcakes. In the fourth quarter of 1999, 10,267 guests were served at the Bethlehem Lutheran site.
If you are interested in helping out with this very gratifying work -- as a server, a baker of cupcakes, or through financial support, please contact Kathy or Alan Johnson through the Parish Office at 763-537-8401.