Volunteers at the Church of the Nazarene in Cape Elizabeth are on a mission to serve free meals to the community through March 31, under a new program called Loaves & Fishes.

This year is the first time the church is embarking on a weekly meal ministry, which kicked off Jan. 6. Meals are held every Tuesday from 6-7 p.m. in the basement of the church on Ocean House Road.

“Our goal is to create a warm space for good food and company,” said Pastor Jon Twitchell. “There are a lot of folks who might eat alone, or are busy, or are trying to stretch their dollars to make ends meet.”

Twitchell said Loaves & Fishes was inspired by a scripture in the Bible, John 6, which describes Jesus feeding 5,000 people with only five loaves of bread and two fish.

“Jesus took the loaves, having given thanks, He distributed to those who were seated; likewise, also all of the fish, as much as they wanted,” he said. “When they were filled, he said to his disciples, ‘gather up the leftovers.’”

Twitchell called it “a miracle” where Jesus took a little amount of food and multiplied it so those 5,000 men, women and children didn’t go hungry.

During the coldest months of the year, fresh produce is scarce at Cape Elizabeth’s food pantry, Judy’s Produce Pantry at the United Methodist Church, which serves about 35 families weekly, said Twitchell. Loaves & Fishes is an additional option for community members to enjoy a homemade meal made with fresh produce or take home meals if they prefer.

“We thought this might dovetail nicely with what they do (at Judy’s Produce Pantry) and help with that need aspect,” Twitchell said of Loaves & Fishes.

The church can accommodate up to 50 people for each meal, and anyone is welcome to attend. About 20 people from Cape Elizabeth and neighboring communities attended the first few meals, which are organized by about 10 volunteers.

“We are not limited to Cape Elizabeth. We are open to South Portland, Scarborough, or anyone who wants to drive, really,” said Twitchell.

So far, the meals have comprised of a homemade beef stew, chicken casserole, shepherd’s pie, biscuits and a tossed salad. On Tuesday, Jan. 27, the menu will include baked ziti, salad, garlic bread and dessert. Beverages such as coffee, tea, water and fruit punch will also be served.

This fall the church received a grant from a local family foundation that is being used to buy food and other kitchen supplies for Loaves & Fishes, said Twitchell. But the program is not meant solely to feed the hungry. It is also intended to gather people together to break bread and fellowship, said Twitchell, who has been pastor at the church since 2002.

Loaves & Fishes is just one of many ways that the church aims to assist others in the community and meet needs, he said. It’s also easy for people in Maine to become isolated in the winter, so providing a free event every week is a chance for people to get out and socialize for an hour.

“It’s not about being a soup kitchen, it’s about being a warm place for people to come share a meal,” he said. “It’s not about geographic location or level of financial stability. It’s open to anyone, church members and non-church members.”

Beverly St. Clair, a volunteer from South Portland, said those who attend Loaves & Fishes can expect “to enjoy a relaxed feeling of community and friendship.” It’s a place where “everyone feels welcomed and wanted.”

“We just want to reach out and help,” she said.

“We want to create community for people,” added church member and volunteer Dianne Yosua. “We just want to give (people) a warm meal and a warm place to be.”

Cape Elizabeth resident Dianne Yosua, Pastor Jon Twitchell, and South Portland resident Beverly St. Clair stand in the kitchen at Cape Elizabeth Church of the Nazarene on Ocean House Road.Staff photos by Kayla J. Collins