Three Hours That Make a Difference: St. Stephen’s Cowboy Stew Dinner Team
In the heart of Charlotte, a dedicated group of volunteers from St. Stephen United Methodist Church gathers every second Monday of the month. During the height of the summer to the bone-chilliest cold months of the winter, they prepare and serve their famous Cowboy Stew dinner to residents at Roof Above Men’s Shelter on North Tryon Street. But as our long-time volunteers will tell you, they’re serving up much more than just a hearty meal.
“We are the richest country in the world, and nobody should be hungry,” explains St. Stephen member and Cowboy Stew missions leader Pam Theesfeld, who’s shepherded the team for over 10 years. This simple yet powerful belief drives the commitment of this close-knit group month after month, year after year.
The impact of this ministry extends far beyond addressing immediate hunger. Roof Above isn’t just providing temporary shelter; it’s creating pathways out of homelessness.
“They provide shelter and we provide food, but they also help residents get jobs,” says Alan Alsop, a dinner team member. “They’re working their way out of this situation.”
This sustainable approach to addressing homelessness is what draws many volunteers to this particular ministry — including those who may not always have a lot of time to give. The monthly commitment is surprisingly manageable in a busy life, requiring only about three hours of time each month. The team leaves the church at 4:30 p.m. and typically returns by 7:30 p.m.
“It’s a very short period of time to do something that’s worthwhile,” Alsop explains. The team begins cooking at the church, then transports and serves the meal at the shelter.
New volunteers at the shelter can join throughout the year. Up to one untrained person can shadow the experienced team each month.
For those considering getting involved, this ministry offers a perfect entry point into meaningful service. “You can start by cooking,” Theesfeld says. “And, you don’t have to do that every month. You can do it just three times a year if you want. It’s a way to get your foot in the door.”
The rewards of service are immediate and tangible. Volunteers describe the gratitude expressed by residents who wave and thank them as they depart. Perhaps most moving is the sense of community that has developed both among the volunteer team and with the shelter staff. Stan, the liaison between the church and residents, has become a familiar face over the years.
At its core, this ministry embodies the belief that fighting hunger and homelessness requires consistent, compassionate action. In a world of complex social problems, the St. Stephen Cowboy Stew team demonstrates how a few hours once a month can contribute to transformative change in people’s lives.
If you’re interested in joining this impactful ministry or learning more about how you can support Roof Above’s work, contact the St. Stephen UMC missions team today. Email us at info@ststephenumc.net or explore other mission service opportunities on our website. Just three hours each month could help change someone’s life!
Want to jump in and make a difference now? Find the cowboy stew recipe and claim one of the slots for our next serving date: May 12.