GREGG NICKLAS | Posted: Friday, February 10, 2006 6:00 pm
Recently, the opportunity presented itself to move outside my routine, beyond my comfort. I was asked to serve dinner at the Gathering Place.
What a worthwhile endeavor! Twenty-five years ago, six Lincolnites had the foresight to see a need and were willing to couple commitment with compassion to create the Gathering Place, at 1448 E Street. Today, under the guidance of Michael Ryan, this haven of hope provides meals for the hungry five nights a week. The average of 104 served each weeknight in January is up 55 percent over those served just last year.
I wasn’t sure what to expect but looked forward to the evening with anticipation. Service has a way of blessing those who put forth the effort, so I invited our 13-year-old daughter, Joy, to accompany me. We experienced an absolutely wonderful evening together.
When we arrived at 4:45 a number of men were gathered on the front porch. As we entered the older two-story brick residence, we were greeted by Michael and two other volunteers, whom we later learned have been volunteering there for years. We were immediately welcomed and made to feel at ease. Michael offered to give Joy and me a tour and answered a host of questions I assume most first-timers would ask. He was kind and patient, a trait he demonstrated throughout the evening with the “clients,” as he referred to those who came to eat.
Realizing this was our first time to serve, the two volunteers who had arrived before us offered to remain in the kitchen washing dishes so Joy and I could serve on “the line.”
We were joined by two other first-time volunteers and shortly before 5 p.m., when the serving began, a line began to form. Michael brought out containers of food; chicken breasts, sweet potatoes, carrots, pudding and drinks. We learned the Food Bank is the primary provider for most of the meals. Michael then instructed the servers on the quantity to serve and indicated we could encourage folks to return for seconds after 5:30.
I was struck by the relationship between so many of those who come to be served and those who serve. It was apparent Michael knew many, if not most of his clients. He called them by name, asked questions about their lives and even provided a coupon to enable a gentleman to save money on a purchase.
I was impressed by the gratitude of those we served and inspired by those with whom we served. The woman who was the first in line seemed to know everyone. She spoke with Michael, other clients, then began speaking with those of us who where there to serve.
“Do you know the woman in the kitchen?” Without waiting who for a response, she continued. “I know her. She is a wonderful person. And did you know she is a judge?”
I quietly wondered if she was correct. Would a judge actually be here, serving, washing dishes and sweeping floors? I later inquired of the unassuming woman in the kitchen.
Indeed. For four years this Lancaster County judge sheds her robe of justice and steps down from the pinnacle of praise to don an apron of humility to serve the hungry. How inspiring!
The individuals who came to eat were friendly, grateful and kind. We were repeatedly greeted with expressions of “thank you,” and “that sure looks good.” One gentleman said, “Sweet potatoes, why the only time I have sweet potatoes is on Thanksgiving.” And time and again we heard folks say, “Isn’t this a wonderful day?”
On our way home I asked Joy what she thought about the evening. Her response sums up my sentiment. “It makes most things I do in the evening seem pretty insignificant.”
I was pleased to have been asked to serve by the Downtown Rotary Club. This is just one organization that faithfully recruits volunteers to serve at the Gathering Place. No doubt about it, this place is making a significant contribution to the lives of individuals in our community.
Gregg Nicklas is CEO of Christian Heritage Children’s Homes, a nonprofit, faith-based organization operating out of Lincoln.