In March of 2024, Dawn Neyman shared this story with members of the Grove City Grace UMC Outreach Team, of which she was a member:
“I first started volunteering at the New Castle City Rescue Mission by helping to sign people up for their Thanksgiving Baskets. Eligible clients can receive a basket full of groceries along with a turkey. I then found out that the mission needed volunteers to serve lunch to their guests, so I started to serve once a week. After getting to know one of the pastors who works at the mission, I found out about their street ministry. I had always wanted to be involved in feeding our homeless, so I asked if I could ride along when they passed out sandwiches. Linda McClean and I rode along and felt that making the sandwiches was a good opportunity for our church family to get involved. We now have quite a few that meet on Mondays to make sandwiches.”
Dawn and Linda’s passion and compassion for our homeless were contagious, and the “Grace Sandwich Artist” ministry was formed.
Matthew 25:35 is Inspiration for Ministry
While Dawn and Linda brought the inspiration, Kent McGill, a retired chef, brought the organization to this fledgling ministry. Grounded in scripture, one of Kent’s favorite scripture verses comes from Matthew 25:35, “For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink…”
About five to fifteen Grace Sandwich Artists meet weekly each Monday. Arriving at the church at 1 pm, they make 90 ham, egg, and cheese breakfast sandwiches and 40 peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, which are taken to the mission with water and homemade cookies, to be distributed there on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. The cookies and water are donated.
As is common in ministry, the joy in serving is not simply what goes out but the blessings that are received as well. One volunteer, Joann Surrena, shares that it is “a great feeling helping with a great mission!” That sentiment is echoed by others. Linda McClean, who says she “loves the fellowship with others and knowing the sandwiches we make will bless others who are less fortunate.” Bonnie Wise states, “I am glad that I can be doing something good for someone who needs this. I also enjoy the companionship with the other workers.”
Rev. Ed Saxman, pastor at Grove City Grace UMC, is thrilled to have a congregation that cares! “As their pastor, I don’t have to initiate their outreach! They come to me saying, 'We can make a difference!' I love it! Grace is dedicated to reaching beyond the walls of the church to find those in need and then figure out a way to provide help. Outreach is in this congregation’s DNA.
As of August 2025, the Grace Sandwich Artists have made over 10,000 sandwiches. But they haven’t stopped there! They also provide fresh fruit and vegetables weekly and provide meals to the Rescue Mission for their “Bring a Meal” program.
Your Generosity Helps Others
By supporting your local congregation’s outreach ministries, you impact lives of your surrounding communities and those around the world. No matter what part of the world we live in, your generosity can reach across oceans and help churches like Grove City Grace UMC help those that are less fortunate.
story by Rev. Ed Saxman, pastor, Grove City Grace UMC
This story represents how United Methodist local churches through their Annual Conferences are living as Vital Congregations. The overarching purpose of The United Methodist Church is to "make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world." A vital congregation is one that is effectively engaged in this mission. Together, we become a powerful force for healing, growth, and transformation—living out the Gospel in every corner of the globe.
