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Email us today at info@growlivingstones.com | |
Good Things Begin at the Table
" Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain." (1 Corinthians 15:58 ESV)
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“Oh! You’re like 412 Food Rescue!” How many times we’ve heard those words, even after explaining who Living Stones is and what we do! Although many compare us, we are two very different organizations. It is our great privilege to join with them and the many other groups fighting food insecurity in our local communities, but our desire is to do more than get food to those who need it. We want to help them grow socially, spiritually, and in any other way we can.
Living Stones is unique. We serve hot, sit-down meals that provide opportunities for fellowship, support, prayer, and encouragement. As our neighbors sit around tables, there is camaraderie and conversation. Friendships blossom. Loneliness diminishes. Relationships are formed. Living Stones cares for neighbors, and neighbors care for one another.
There are many stories of caring and helping, all demonstrating our commitment to going beyond God’s call to feed the hungry. Here are three.
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The Story of Roger
Just recently, one of our minglers noticed that she hadn’t seen Roger for several weeks. Roger, like many of our vulnerable neighbors, has come to cherish the time spent at our Sunday meals and My Monday Thing! and rarely misses either. After repeated unanswered phone calls, she drove to his home and knocked on the door. There was no answer, but his car was in the driveway. Fearing the worst, but not wanting to overreact, she and our Community Health Worker talked with neighbors and checked with hospitals until discerning that he was safe in an unnamed rehabilitation facility. We are extremely grateful that this story, which shows how deeply we care about our neighbors, had a happy ending.
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The Story of Mario
Mario, a young boy in elementary school, has been coming to our Sunday meals with his mother for quite some time. Through relationships we have established with her, we know that there are situations in Mario’s life that cause her concern, and she worries that he may soon be headed down a path to trouble. When we were asked if we could recommend someone to participate in Shop With a Cop Day, we immediately suggested Mario, who was selected and blessed to spend an unforgettable day with his mom and a wonderful uniformed officer, Sgt. Jim Ciocco of the Allegheny County Port Authority Police. They rode together in a police car with lights and sirens, enjoyed breakfast with other officers and, after receiving a backpack full of school supplies and a gift certificate for $250, shopping at Macy’s. Mother and son were driven to and from the event by Joe Meyers, a retired police officer and Living Stones volunteer who exemplifies Christian love and living. It is our prayer that this experience and time spent with great role models will positively influence Mario’s future.
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The Story of Ted
One of the stories our volunteers love to share is the one about Ted. Ted had been coming to My Monday Thing! every month for nearly a year. He came especially to make a craft to take to his wife, who was being treated for cancer. Everyone loved Ted and inquired about his wife and her health every time he came through the door. One day he arrived with a beautiful, frail woman we just knew was his wife. He introduced her and she was immediately the center of attention and showered with love. As Ted stood back and watched, he rocked on his heels, stroked his goatee, and remarked thoughtfully, “You guys really deliver on your bull****.” As startling as the comment was, it meant a lot, as we do seek to show Christ’s love through both our words and actions. Ted had witnessed and appreciated both.
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Living Stones was founded in response to God’s call to feed the hungry, and providing food to our neighbors always has been and will remain the cornerstone of His ministry. But we aren’t stopping there. We are continuing to grow the ministry as we identify and are able to provide additional programs and services or connect neighbors with existing resources. And in all we do, we remain focused on our ultimate desire, which is to help those we serve come to know Christ personally through the programs and services we offer and the people who provide them.
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Come to the Table
Second Sunday of every month
Brentwood Presbyterian Church
3725 Brownsville Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15227
Third Sunday of every month
North Way Christian Community Church
Corner of Espy Ave. & Potomac Ave.
Dormont, PA 15216
Across from Potomac Avenue T stop
Last Sunday of every month
Fairhaven United Methodist Church
2415 Saw Mill Run Blvd., Pittsburgh, PA 15234
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To support the work we do, simply scan a code below or make a check payable to
Living Stones and mail it to
Living Stones, PO Box 13077, Pittsburgh, PA 15243
Thank you!
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Living Stones fosters the cultivation of relationships with neighbors who join us for meals. As relationships develop and deepen, Living Stones volunteers come alongside those individuals and families to assist them in navigating the challenges in their lives and encourage them to find hope in Christ as they learn to trust Him.
"Won't you be my neighbor?"
Fred Rogers
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