Sharing the Table in McAlester

This past winter, All Saints’ in McAlester opened its doors for the fourth time as a winter warming center, in partnership with local community partner Humanity918. Through this experience, they built stronger connections and began to discern what God may be calling them to do next.

All Saints has been participating in its USDA food distribution on the third Thursday of every month since the mid-1990s. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, their distribution was a day-long event held in the Parish Hall. Following the COVID-19 pandemic, the distribution shifted to drive-through. Over the last six months, the distribution has increased from 250 bags of groceries given out to over 400 bags. Recognizing the need in the community for individuals who are confined to their homes due to disability, health issues, or transportation limitations, the distribution now also delivers approximately 200 bags of groceries throughout the city. The local dispensaries engaged in a competition and donated over 1,600 boxes of ramen and more than 600 boxes of pasta for the food distribution.

Reflecting on the community's anxiety and the potential food scarcity, All Saints is launching a new community meal initiative called “The Longer Table” in partnership with Humanity918. The church hosts a community-wide meal every Thursday from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.  

These evenings reflect on our baptismal covenant by respecting every person's dignity: "Every Thursday, we serve a free meal — no questions asked, no requirements, no expectations. Nobody should eat alone. Community is built one seat at a time. When someone needs a meal, we make the table longer."