New Education Program Begins at Watchung Church

Wilson Memorial Union Church in Watchung has started a new adult education activity, "What’s Brewing?"

What's Brewing? is a post-worship coffee hour on the second Sunday of each month. The first session was held on Oct. 13 when the group discussed the Star Fish food pantry in Plainfield.

Hugh Woodruff, treasurer for the food pantry, led the discussion.

Wilson Memorial has aided the charity since its inception in 1971, financially and with volunteer workers, as well as with donations of food. The adult education examined what happens once the food leaves the church.

Star Fish volunteers coordinate with local Plainfield agencies such at Plainfield Action Services, Union County Social Services, El Centro Hispanoamericano, and others to pack food essentials to support families in need for several days.

Star Fish volunteers work in basement space provided by Covenant United Methodist church and pack grocery bags of food that are delivered to the requesting agencies on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays by other Star Fish volunteers. The food pantry assists about 40 families each week, and nearly 160 families for each of three holidays, Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas.

As part of his presentation, Woodruff, who also serves as treasurer of Wilson Memorial Church, demonstrated the packing of a typical grocery bag for a family and described the process of getting the food ready for distribution.

He highlighted the various churches and other organizations, such as the Postal Service, that provide food from their food drives.

The next What's Brewing? will be held on Nov. 10 at 11:15 a.m. in the sanctuary of Wilson Memorial Church. Rev. Barbara Peters will present "The Power of Vulnerability" by Brene Brown, with a discussion to follow.

The church is located at 7 Valley Road. For more information, call 908-755-5020.