Christ’s Cupboard winner of friendly competition

For the third consecutive year, two Pawhuska churches — St. Thomas Episcopal and First Methodist — have challenged each other to amass sugar and flour for Christ’s Cupboard.

“These challenges are a lot of fun,” said Mother Andrea Jones of St. Thomas. “The real winners are the recipients of Christ’s Cupboard.” Methodist Pastor Kathy Morris added, “We make the challenge even more fun for our congregations by pitting the men against the women.”

Christ’s Cupboard is a charitable project sponsored by the Pawhuska Ministerial Alliance. Each month a list of needed products is sent to area churches. February’s list was for sugar and flour. The challenge was for women to bring flour and men to bring sugar. The result was a combined total for both churches of 418 pounds of sugar and 583 pounds of flour.

“Last year we also challenged the First Baptist Church for macaroni and cheese,” Mother Andrea said. “We caught them sleeping. They thought because St. Thomas had a smaller congregation, it was a win-win situation for them. (Laughing) We really beat the socks off of them.”

Pastor Kathy added, “Donations are ongoing for Christ’s Cupboard. However, these challenges just enrich the coffers a little faster.”

The beautifully renovated facility housing Christ’s Cupboard features energy-efficient windows and doors. “Eventually, we will have awnings for the combined three-units,” said Pastor Kathy. “All of this has been made possible through the generosity of anonymous donors.”

“These facilities are so much more efficient,” said Mother Andrea. “Volunteers and clients alike have expressed their appreciation for such a beautiful accommodation.”

Both pastors said Christ’s Cupboard is continually in need of canned goods, particularly vegetables – green beans, corn and fruit. Other popular items are macaroni and cheese, peanut butter, rice and beans. Health products, such as toothbrushes and toothpaste, are also needed plus individually wrapped toilet paper. Food stamps do not cover these essentials.

Christ’s Cupboard is open Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9:30 - 11 a.m.