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- Dave Werges, pastor of Cross Roads Lutheran Parish, delivered meals to an Iowa farmer and his crew in appreciation for their long hours of work during the fall harvest.
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- Deacon Elayne Werges delivered meals to a farmer working in a farm field during the harvest.
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- Cross Roads received many notes of thanks for delivering free lunches to farm workers during the fall harvest.
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- Around 30 volunteers from Cross Roads Lutheran Parish delivered free lunches to farmers and co-op workers during the Iowa fall harvest as part of the congregations’ celebration of “God’s work. Our hands.”
This year’s “God’s work. Our hands.” event extended to October when the four congregations of Cross Roads Lutheran Parish of the Northeastern Iowa Synod delivered meals and prayers to farmers and agricultural workers during the harvest season.
Some 30 volunteers spread out across two counties to deliver 450 sack lunches to five local co-ops and to farmers in their fields and at their farms to show appreciation for their long hours working on the harvest. This was the second year that Cross Roads Lutheran Parish has delivered meals to area farmers during harvest, and the farmers and co-op workers eagerly expressed their gratitude.
Weeks later, the parish is still receiving thank-you notes, words of appreciation and donations. One woman who received a meal and helps with the harvest said that she normally would have to stop to make or buy dinner for the workers. “She told us it was a blessing to be able to be fed,” said Dave Werges, pastor of Cross Roads.
All ages from the four congregations—Faith, Mitchell; Rock Creek, Meroa; St. John’s, Rock Township; St. Luke, Nora Springs—helped assemble the lunches and decorate the sacks. Each meal included a ham sandwich, an apple, chips, a cookie, candy treats, water, a Cross Roads Parish pen, a prayer and a letter of introduction from the parish.
“We are congregations that are deeply rooted in our communities and strive to serve our neighborhoods, as well as reach out to the world,” the letter said. “This year we are remembering our neighbors in their work as farmers, ranchers and agriculture-based businesses with prayer and a free lunch on us. Please enjoy this lunch. May it strengthen and nourish you to bring in a bountiful harvest, and may God grant you peace.”
Article written by Marcia Hahn, coordinator for communications and events in the Northeastern Iowa Synod.
Photos by Joelle Colville-Hanson, ELCA director for evangelical mission, Northeastern Iowa Synod.
