Churches connect with their community by gathering around the table to share delicious food. Food meets an immediate need while building meaningful relationships.

This is happening at York Street United Methodist Church in the Great Miami River District.

“We may be small, but we invade the neighborhood with what we have: good food and hospitality,” said the Rev. Vanessa Allen-Brown, lead pastor of the historic Cincinnati church. Today, their significance is immeasurable in the culturally diverse West End neighborhood.

York Street’s food ministry affects many lives in the church and the community. In the community meals, all, regardless of socioeconomic status, culture or race, can feel special. Meals are hosted to celebrate holidays including Thanksgiving, Christmas, Mother’s and Father’s Day, and Black History Month. Often, they are held on the Saturday before the actual holiday.

Attention to detail, including festive décor and gift bags for each guest, is important to this ministry.

Brown and others from York Street personally invited the community to share with them, serving up to 200 people. “We invite the community to come to a special place and have a conversation over a good meal,” she noted.

These meals are not easy to prepare. York Street member and 2026 Foundation for Evangelism Laity Award nominee Carol Agee creates and prepares a menu often infused with cooking she grew up with in the South. Chicken salad, baby back ribs, green beans, collard greens, baked beans and cornbread are just a few of the dishes served. Experienced in catering, Agee is reminded of her upbringing and knows the power of a conversation over a savory meal.

“This is not just a meal, Agee explained. “We want them to feel the warmth of York Street.”

In addition to the community meals, Agee leads preparation of healthy meals for the summer youth camp, “STEAM Meets Faith,” and supports cooking classes for children taught by older adults. “This is a time for children to ask the seniors questions about their childhood, like what they did for fun and how they spent Christmastime, and share differences across generations,” Brown said.

York Street received a Go! grant from the West Ohio Annual Conference to support these ministries.

Small but mighty, the York Street congregation loves to serve with fun and a spirit of hospitality. Using what they have, they continue to have a meaningful impact in their community.

Written by Amy Graham, Freelance Communications Specialist