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Mission volunteer finds novel way to serve.
SALUNGA, Pa. – Fourteen years ago when Richard Showalter became president of Eastern Mennonite Missions, an old family friend approached him with a novel idea.
“Richard,” said Kathryn Hess, a Mount Joy mother of five children, grandmother of 12, and great grandmother of six. “I really appreciate all the hard work the mission board does, and I wish I could do something to express my appreciation. Could I start serving a surprise snack to staff a couple times a year?”
Who could refuse such an offer?
Learning that she and Richard shared the same birthday, September 22, Kathryn used that as a springboard for the first snack. She then usually also followed up with an early spring snack break.
Staff never knew what to expect. Suddenly there’d be a mid-morning announcement over the PA system. They’d hurry to the staff dining room to be greeted by the smells of fresh mulled cider with glazed doughnuts, cheese and crackers. Or there might be homemade monster cookies with fresh melons and blueberries alongside Kathryn’s signature strawberry-rhubarb punch.
Always served up with a picturesque flare, Kathryn invited friends from her home church, Mount Joy Mennonite, to assist with set-up and serving. She’d urge EMM staff to fill plates with the leftover cookies, crackers, and fruit, and happily share her recipe secrets with the curious.
Then she’d vanish until the next time. This modest Mennonite widow of 50 years has blessed EMM staff for more than a decade, and she’d like nothing better than to continue for the next decade – if her health permits.
- Jewel Showalter
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