“He [Jesus] took a little child and had him stand among them. Taking him in his arms, he said to them, ‘Whoever welcomes one of these little children in my name welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me does not welcome me but the one who sent me.'”
Mark 9:36-37 (NIV)

The Gruening Park Summer Lunch Program is not actually a “program.” Like every other ministry at Common Ground, Summer Lunch ministry is a loosely organized number of individuals who want to see that no kids in Gruening Park go hungry.

The idea for the project sparked in the spring of 2012 after talking with some kids at the playground. They expressed their disappointment that school was ending and summer vacation was approaching. After a few follow-up questions, we learned the kids were not happy about summer vacation because it meant there would be days they would be hungry and not have access to daily food, like they did at school lunch. With the help of volunteers from Common Ground and other Juneau fellowships, we decided to do something about it and make summer vacation an anticipated joy for the Gruening Park kids.

For the last 7 years, we have collectively provided free lunch in a safe and positive atmosphere at the Gruening Park Rec Center, Monday through Friday, all summer long. In addition, on some days, we provide crafts and other fun activities for the kids to participate and enjoy.

We have had the joy of serving, blessing, and getting to know hundreds of kids and adults through this very basic and simple ministry of love. Anticipating every summer, we look forward to see who God will provide in the way of volunteers and who He brings to share in the eating of the food. Each year brings new blessings and challenges, but it is always an honor to serve food to hungry kids in the name of Jesus!

— Gary Leder, leader of Common Ground

Photo Credit: Laura Tripp