Full tables, full hearts

Following the success of the Connect meetings for seniors at Blagodatne Church last year, the ministry has started up again this winter. The purpose is to fight isolation and loneliness amongst elderly people in the village by providing regular fellowship and food.

Church member Nastya explains what typically happens at a Connect gathering. “We always start with prayer, praising God, and reading the Bible. Some of the ministry leaders organise games, and the sisters in the kitchen prepare delicious food for us.”

All the feedback from previous meetings (along with some first-hand experience during a trip to Ukraine in February) testifies to the simple pleasure found in getting together around food. Kitchen team member Lilya Limar describes the meetings as ‘really very joyful and encouraging for everyone’.  Luba, one of the attendees, said, “There is nothing like this for us in the village, nowhere to gather together. Before this group I could go for weeks without spending time with anyone."

Connect organisers have worked hard to make sure that others are brought along by people they know, so that they will feel comfortable coming into the group and will know that they are welcome. “People were invited by our church members,” explains Lilya. “Mostly they were their relatives and neighbours. People really liked that they were given time, and talked to with respect. And of course they really liked the food.”

Enjoyment of the meals is without question; another attendee said, “"This is the best food that I eat all week.” However her additional comments point to deeper problems faced by many Ukrainians. “I cannot afford to buy meat,” she said. “I often can't cook in my home.” Therefore gathering the seniors around a shared table is not just good for their mental health, it’s vital for their physical sustenance. Our pastors tell us that prices of essentials such as food, fuel and firewood have doubled since last year, so keeping people well-fed is a priority.

As more and more families are directly affected by the war, Connect is also a place for support and kindness to be shown. Describing the first of the new season of meetings, Lilya says, “It was nice to see three new people who have not come to church at all before. One woman has two sons currently at war, and the other has a son missing.” As has been evident since the start of the invasion in 2022, churches have a huge opportunity to lead the way in caring for their communities and being a place of refuge in difficult times; the Connect gatherings embody that care.

These meetings are part of our wider goals for winter 25/26, encompassed in the phrase ‘Full Table’ which you’ll see regularly in our communications over the next few months. We are supporting our churches to provide food parcels for those who are hard-hit by rising prices; and to gather individuals who could become isolated or lonely, for companionship and a hot meal on a regular basis.

We look forward to seeing the churches continue to grow as communities are shown God’s love and kindness in practical ways. If you would like to get involved, click on the button below.