The First Presbyterian Church in Auburn has scheduled a series of classes in February and March called Soup and Study. The focus of the classes will be on more than just the personal and spiritual development of the participants.

Pastor Janet Newman asked, “What are the needs in our community, and how are we meeting those needs?” To help meet some of the needs of the community, the church is providing soup and the participants are asked to bring a sandwich for themselves and a canned food donation for the Calvary Presbyterian Food Pantry. “We do a lot with the Calvary Food Pantry,” Newman said.

The participants sat at tables in the spacious social room of the church eating homemade Italian wedding soup. After the soup, Newman led everyone in a responsorial prayer, one person read from the Gospel of Matthew and then Newman introduced Nancy Sheffield, the coordinator of the Calvary Food Pantry.

Sheffield was selected as the evening speaker because the passage for the session was “I was hungry and you gave me something to eat.” Upcoming guests include representatives from First Love Ministries Soup Kitchen, Catholic Charities, the American Red Cross and Matthew House.

“God does feed the hungry,” Sheffield said. She said there was a time in her life when she and her husband were both injured in an accident that wrecked the tractor trailer that they owned and operated, ruining their family business. She tried to apply for food stamps and was told there was a waiting list, even though she had four young children. She turned to the Calvary Food Pantry for help and they helped immediately. Now she helps others in need. The pantry provided almost 80,000 meals in 2007.

“Everyone is very generous around the holidays,” she said, “but people need food every day.” She explained that although some of the people who come for help are unemployed, many are working for low wages. They are not making enough to care for their families but they may not quite qualify for social assistance.“

The pantry provides enough food for three meals for five days, usually only once a month, but exceptions are made depending on need. The pantry needs canned tuna, canned fruits and vegetables and spaghetti sauce, but also personal care items.

“People can't buy toiletry items with food stamps, but those items are very important.” This includes toothpaste, mouthwash and shampoo, and also soap and dish detergent.

The members of First Presbyterian Church try to reach out and serve the community, but they are also looking toward their future. Founded in 1811, the 200th anniversary is only three years away, and committees and volunteers are already planning for the celebration. They are also looking for records, meeting minutes and other information about the church's history.

Education is an important part of the ministry of First Presbyterian Church, both secular and religious. Adult Bible studies are held Sunday mornings at 9:15, and Sunday School is provided for the youth of the congregation. The Book Explorers meet regularly to discuss books that challenge the members to “think outside the box.” A scholarship fund provides financial support for college and technical school students who are children or grandchildren of church members, and Vacation Bible school is held every summer in conjunction with several other area churches.