Meeting Christ at the table

ATLANTA – “What do you need?” the Rev. Cory Thrall of Legacy United Methodist Church asked Global Neighbors, a Church World Service affiliate nonprofit organization and community partner whose mission is to foster welcome for immigrants in Bismarck, North Dakota.

As the pastor of Legacy UMC in Bismarck, a city of around 80,000 people, Thrall leads a congregation that is 125 years old. Its membership consists of different ages and ethnic backgrounds, although like the town, most of its members are white.

Building relationships with new and diverse neighbors is at the core of Legacy’s history and ministry. The church seeks out ways to embody a spirit of welcome and belonging. In 2024, a Mustard Seed Migration Grant from the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) provided Legacy with financial support to reach its Ukrainian neighbors in a unique way.

As Thrall listened to Global Neighbors’ response, he learned that their biggest need was to help people learn to drive, provide furnishings, and offer transportation.

But Thrall took it a step further. He wondered if Legacy members could connect more deeply with Ukrainian neighbors through shared recipes and meals. Having done this before with neighbors from Liberia and Ghana, a member of Legacy provides cooking lessons for a dish using local ingredients, and then the following month, immigrants or refugees teach Legacy members how to make something from their homeland. Ukrainian newcomers enthusiastically received the invitation, saying they wanted to cook with the church. So began a time of cooking, sampling and even competition for the best recipe.

“There was so much excitement as to who would win a prize. People were so proud and celebrated each other,” church member Kenton Carlson said. Prizes of cooking utensils, aprons, and other kitchen supplies were awarded to 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners. Carlson wasn’t sure how their new friends would react to competing with each other, but they embraced it. Even though the collective group was speaking different languages, the smiles, noise, and laughter assured them they were together in spirit.

Many congregations may wonder how to take the first step to embrace strangers and those from other cultures. Table fellowship and group activities can tear down walls and facilitate interaction. “Opportunities like this are a great conduit to serve and do God’s work,” said Carlson.

While those who leave their homelands may experience isolation in a new setting, Legacy’s outreach goes beyond table fellowship. Thrall shares that when “a family arrives in Bismarck, both partners have to work to survive. That usually means that one partner is stuck at home while the other takes the car.” Public transportation can be difficult in a city like Bismarck. Their bus system runs less frequently and shuts down after 5 p.m.

In addition to the shared meals, Legacy also provides driving lessons and other forms of assistance its newest neighbors might need. They meet Christ in return. Sometimes, the things they do may feel like small things, but it puts “our work on this earth into perspective,” says Carlson. While returning home with a Ukrainian refugee from an insurance appointment, Carlson’s new friend kept saying, “You understand me! You understand. You understand.” Reflecting on the conversation now, Carlson said, “Wow, I just did a little thing, and it brought him so much.”

The Rev. Neelley Hicks is a freelance writer for Global Ministries and UMCOR.

UMCOR’s Mustard Seed Migration Grant program is designed to encourage local United Methodist churches to engage in ministry with migrating peoples in their midst. UMCOR awards grants of $2,000 USD to up to 100 churches in the U.S. to engage in new, one-time community-based service projects and ministries focused on migrants and refugees. Learn more and apply today.