Peanut Butter & Jelly and a Heart for the Hurting: A Ministry Takes Root

By Sharon Mager

DUNDALK, Md. — It was a chilly, damp morning on Nov. 22, just days before Thanksgiving, when John Hormess arrived at Creekside Community Church, Dundalk, to prepare for the church’s monthly  “My Father’s Pantry” outreach. Soon, volunteers joined him, loading hot food, clothing, Bibles, and other supplies to take to a nearby park. By the time everything was set up, the sun was shining and neighbors were already making their way to the tables.

Barbara Richmond (right) chats with women who stop by to peruse the clothes offerings. (Photo by Sharon Mager)

Church members welcome everyone—those they know well and those they are meeting for the first time. They chat, listen, pray, and offer Bibles, encouragement, and invitations to the church services.

Seniors, families, young people, and some men and women who carry their only belongings in backpacks come grateful for help and a moment of kindness.

The outreach began about seven years ago when John and his wife, Dana, quietly started handing out peanut butter and jelly sandwiches on their own. They soon expanded their efforts—gathering coats, blankets, and gloves; buying dollar-store supplies; and assembling lunch bags in their living room.

“We’d make the sandwiches and have different snacks, maybe a fruit if we could afford it, and a drink,” Dana said. At the time, they went directly to those living on the streets. Dana drove while John approached people to deliver the sandwiches—often under bridges or in hidden corners of the city—while she prayed over each stop.

For years, it remained a two-person effort, occasionally joined by their granddaughter and by Dana’s mother, who faithfully prepared 40 to 60 sandwiches each month.

Their compassion was rooted in personal experience. “John was homeless for a couple of years when he was a young man, and I’ve had difficult times in my life, too,” Dana said. “So we’ve always had a heart for helping people.”

People from all walks of life stop by, some who need a helping hand to get through the week, and some who are experiencing homelessness. (Photo by Sharon Mager)

The ministry expanded after the couple began attending Creekside Church in 2022. “When we walked into the church, we both immediately knew we were home,” Dana said. The congregation embraced them and adopted their ministry. Members eagerly joined in—donating blankets, coats, food, funds, and time. “They really wanted to be involved,” Dana said.

Though John and Dana work full-time, they pour themselves into the ministry. Dana manages logistics, while John coordinates a rotating volunteer team. Each month, the group prepares and serves hot meals along with snack bags, drinks, clothing, and hygiene items at the park.

“We try to feed them healthy food,” John said. For Thanksgiving week, volunteers prepared turkey, dressing, green beans, rolls, and cranberry sauce, and gave extra sandwiches to help carry them through the week.

“There are certain individuals who are regulars,” John said, noting that many struggle with addiction. “I often go, spend a little time, and talk with them.” John also walks around the park, inviting people to the tables. He went to a Royal Farms store across the street, where he found a few men he knew were homeless and invited them over to get food and supplies. They quickly followed him back and were very thankful.

Small moments reflect the ministry’s impact. John remembered a young boy who stopped his bicycle when he spotted a pair of donated athletic shoes. They were just his size. “He was so happy—just thrilled to death,” John said with a smile. Dana remembered the shoes too. “They were Converse high tops, black and white,” she said. What really touched her was watching the boy remove his old shoes to try on the new ones. “His old shoes had soles that were flapping off the front.”

Dawn Knight (next to her husband Don) serves visitors at “My Father’s Pantry.” (Photo by Sharon Mager)

Creekside Church member Barbara Richmond, who was serving with her daughter, Tessa, enjoyed sorting clothes and talking to the ladies who stopped by. She is excited about the ministry. “John and Dana have done something so beautiful for our church. You just don’t know anyone’s walk in life,” she said. Barbara especially appreciates the one-on-one conversations she has with visitors.

The ministry’s growth prompted the church to set aside a dedicated storage room—now filled with clothing bins, tubs of supplies, and even a refrigerator. “It’s amazing how full it’s gotten,” John said.

John and Dana insist the ministry belongs to God. A friend once offered them words of wisdom: “He said to start out with peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. If God blesses it, He’ll grow it,” Dana said. “And God has grown it.”

For information about My Father’s Pantry, call the church office at 410-477-4530. For information about how the BCM/D can assist your church in starting or strengthening a compassion ministry, visit our website.

The feature photo shows John Hormess (center with “Jesus” hat) with other Creekside Community Church members serving food and giving away Bibles and other items at “My Father’s Pantry.” (Photo by Sharon Mager)

Sharon Mager serves as BCM/D’s content and stories editor.