Bread of Life at Lakehills UMC | A Conversation with Layperson Jennifer Anne Moore

By: Rev. Ray Altman, Director of Congregational Vitality & New Faith Communities, Rio Texas Conference

LAKEHILLS UMC PREPARES FOR AN ASH WEDNESDAY SERVICE. Photo courtesy of LakeHills UMC facebook page.

Lakehills UMC is located near what was once Medina Lake—a vibrant lake community in the 80s and 90s that has since experienced significant decline due to the lake drying up. Poverty levels in the area are now high. 

Lakehills UMC Distributed to go meals during covid. photo courtesy of Lakehills umc facebook page.

Jennifer, a layperson, has lived in Lakehills since 1978 and has witnessed both the boom and the bust of the community. She shared that the Bread of Life ministry began 15–20 years ago as a way for church members to socialize outside of Sunday services.

Over time, it evolved into a community-wide weekly dinner held every Monday night. 

During COVID, the ministry adapted by distributing meals outdoors and praying with people as they passed by. Jennifer took over leadership about four years ago and has seen the program grow from serving 75 meals to over 250 each week. Doors open at 4:30 PM, and dinner is served at 5:00 PM. 

About two years ago, Jennifer began posting about Bread of Life on Facebook, which significantly increased attendance. Word of mouth and a roadside sign also helped spread awareness. The church supported the outreach. 

Bread of Life TIME OF PRAYER. PHOTO COURTESY OF JENNIFER ANNE MOORE.

The ministry has slowly evolved from just serving food to fostering spiritual conversations. Jennifer often sits at the to-go table, engaging with individuals who may not feel comfortable dining in. These interactions have led to meaningful discussions about faith and times of prayer. 

BREAD OF LIFE WEEKLY COMMUNITY MEAL. PHOTO COURTESY OF JENNIFER ANNE MOORE.

The church volunteers—mostly members—prepare and serve the meals. About 10 volunteers help each week, and even attendees pitch in with cleanup. The ministry is entirely donation-driven, with no financial support from the church budget. Food is sourced from Hill Country Daily Bread in Boerne, which partners with the San Antonio Food Bank, and additional supplies are purchased from Restaurant Depot. Salad is a weekly staple, as it’s highly requested. 

BREAD OF LIFE VOLUNTEERS ARE THE HEART OF THIS MINISTRY. PHOTO COURTESY OF JENNIFER ANNE MOORE.

Jennifer estimates she spends around 22 hours a week on the ministry, with total volunteer hours reaching 40–60 weekly. Donations fluctuate, with some weeks bringing in $90 and others up to $200. Expenses are minimal, and community members often donate items like to-go containers. 

Prayer has become a central part of the Monday night gatherings. The group circles up to pray, and Jennifer notes the powerful image of people from all walks of life—homeless and wealthy alike—holding hands in prayer. Prayer requests are collected via cards, and Jennifer prays with individuals both in the moment and later at home. 

PRAYER IS A CENTRAL PART OF THE MONDAY NIGHT GATHERINGS. PHOTO COURTESY OF JENNIFER ANNE MOORE.

Beyond food, attendees’ express needs for mental health care, financial assistance, and food for the rest of the week. In response, the ministry offers a table of canned goods for people to take home. 

Faith conversations at the tables happen organically. PHOTO COURTESY OF JENNIFER ANNE MOORE.

Faith conversations at the tables happen organically. Topics range from personal spiritual journeys to questions about the Methodist Church’s stance on LGBTQ inclusion. Jennifer emphasizes love and acceptance, which fosters open and respectful dialogue. 

Some attendees have started attending Sunday worship, and one community volunteer even joined the church. Children and youth participate in the TWIGS program, which includes dinner, Bible lessons, and activities led by Katherine Ivey. 

The Monday night group is diverse—ranging from middle-class retirees to the homeless and wealthy. “Bread of Life is a different kind of church, one that meets people where they are.” Jennifer shares, “both traditional Sunday worship and Monday night gatherings like this one are essential and should coexist.” 

BREAD OF LIFE IS A DIFFERENT KIND OF CHURCH MINISTRY. PHOTO COURTESY OF JENNIFER ANNE MOORE.

Jennifer feels energized by the ministry and deeply moved by the relationships and spiritual growth she witnesses each week. “I see God building a more accepting and less argumentative community, where people unknowingly engage in acts of grace and service.” 

Her advice to other churches, especially in rural areas, is simple: “Open your arms. Be Switzerland—neutral, loving, and accepting of all. Don’t try to change people’s minds; just love them.”