Words Pamela Martin
Photos Janis Jean
On a crisp Saturday morning, sunlight shines brightly on Central Saanich United Church, illuminating the joyful bustle within its Shadywood Hall. Aromas of homemade soup waft from the kitchen and the cozy space is electric with excitement. Saturday Lunch is in full swing, and it is abundantly clear that there is much more being served here than a nourishing meal.
This historic rural church, with a passion for cooking, embarked upon a quest to discover how their new hall and commercial kitchen could best serve the community. “There were lots of gaps in terms of feeding people – and social isolation,” found Reverend Sandi Parker, the church’s Community Minister. From that discovery, the free Saturday Lunch program was born, to offer not only a weekly meal but a sense of connection and belonging. Church council Co-Chair and volunteer cook, Lissa Zala, remembers how quickly the congregation embraced the idea. “It spoke to our hearts. It fulfilled a lot of our needs as we saw ourselves in the community. And it blossomed.” Early grant support from the United Church Provision Fund and Saanich Peninsula Community Foundation along with community donations helped bring the vision to life.
Each Saturday, volunteers create a lovely sit down lunch where everyone is made to feel not only welcome, but also rather special. Regulars brighten at the sight of familiar faces; newcomers are swept into an atmosphere that feels like family. Servers move from kitchen to table delivering smiles and friendly banter alongside freshly baked desserts. Volunteer server Hilda, a university student who comes for the friendships she’s formed, greets guests by name. “I try to give back to my community, since they helped me prosper when I was younger,” she says.
Meanwhile, in the kitchen, fun abounds as volunteers proudly prepare soups worthy of any well-heeled eatery, often from family recipes. There is a sense of reciprocal giving here: volunteers receive just as much joy as the guests they serve. “People are happy. We’re happy to do it. They’re happy to receive it,” says Lissa joyfully. “It’s a gift for both of us.”
The hall, brimming with laughter and inclusivity, fills a void for some who come here, an antidote to loneliness that is felt by many. “I come for the conversation and companionship,” one regular shares quietly. “My wife passed away five years ago, so it’s a different world when you’re by yourself.”
For Janis Jean, Director of the Saanich Peninsula Community Foundation, seeing the Saturday Lunch in action was deeply moving. “This small group of dedicated volunteers is making such a difference not just in food security, but in taking on the greater need of social isolation,” she says, “Especially for our local seniors.” The connections made from this one small program are rippling far beyond the Saturday gatherings; people now recognize one another on the street and at the grocery store, gently weaving the community closer together.
The organizers hope the program will continue indefinitely, though they acknowledge the realities of sustaining it. Humbly, they seek only the financial support needed to keep it running, but a larger volunteer roster is on their wish list to make the future more secure. “I’d like to have a network of volunteers that can come and go as their life dictates. I want to retain the values of inclusion and almost sort of radical hospitality,” says Rev. Parker. Community partnerships, such as local produce donations, would also help the program grow to its full potential.
This small country church, nestled amongst the trees, has a big heart bursting with community connection. Truth be told, that may be the most nourishing thing being served here – along with a side of delicious lunch.
To volunteer, donate or propose a partnership to help this remarkable program thrive, please contact Rev. Sandi Parker at parker.sandi@gmail.com.
