A New Chapter for Saturday Morning Breakfast and Showers
By Becky Vanderzee, Director of Community Development
Today, like many days, we celebrate the ministry of Saturday Morning Breakfast and Showers, affectionately referred to as “Breakfast and Showers” or simply “SMBS.” SMBS is a ministry that formed in the very early years of Kingdom Causes Bellflower through the incredible partnership and commitment of Calvary Baptist Church, and specifically the Celebrate Recovery community. As staff, along with the staff of Calvary Baptist, we’ve recently reflected on the nearly 20 years of ministry of SMBS. We thank God for these years and for the brave unhoused neighbors who boldly expressed a need for showers to what was called the original “Homeless Task Force.” Not many churches have their own gym with male and female showers, along with a full industrial-sized kitchen. We praise God for the generosity of Calvary Baptist Church for the many years of opening their doors to this ministry of community and belonging.
Except for a brief season during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, SMBS has provided showers, hot breakfast, clothing and community every Saturday of the year, even if that Saturday was Christmas Day. Many volunteers have participated in the ministry of SMBS, including incredible kitchen teams who have donated food and time to serve our unhoused neighbors faithfully in the early morning. The consistency of SMBS needs continual recognition with ongoing opportunity to thank God for the opportunity to build relationships and be an example of the kingdom of God.
It is in the spirit of gratitude for the ministry of SMBS that both Kingdom Causes Bellflower and Calvary Baptist Church would like to announce a shift in the leadership of SMBS. Over the years, KCB and Calvary Baptist have enjoyed partnering to maintain this ministry with KCB holding the main logistical coordination aspects of the weekly ministry. All the while, SMBS has been largely supported by Calvary Baptist members and volunteers; even more so in the past few years. Because of this, we are grateful that God has led Calvary Baptist to take over all oversight and management of SMBS. As we make this announcement, it is important for us at KCB to express our support in this transition of leadership. We have loved working with the staff and volunteers at Calvary, and we are so excited to see how God continues to move in and through this ministry to bring glory to His name.
I had the pleasure of being at SMBS with a new group of volunteers on June 3, 2023, the first Saturday where SMBS was officially under the sole leadership of Calvary Baptist. I was able to witness the conversation between Pastor Ken and the key volunteers that make SMBS happen every week. The excitement and anticipation expressed by the group was so fun to witness.
Here are a couple of important things to remember. The structure and function of SMBS has not changed. SMBS is still operating as normal; the only change is in who is holding the coordination of all aspects of the ministry. KCB and Calvary Baptist are still partners. KCB plans to continue to be invested in SMBS, helping with identifying volunteers and gathering donations. Speaking of donations, the need continues! SMBS is always looking for clothing donations, hygiene products, new socks and underwear and towels. Kitchen teams are still critical to the ministry of SMBS. Please know that SMBS still needs you. SMBS continues to be a place of community and gathering; a place where relationships are built and maintained.
We ask that you continue to pray for the ministry of SMBS. Pray for the neighbors that come on Saturdays. Pray for the volunteers. Pray that there are more spaces like SMBS in our local community that serve as a place of safety and consistency for all people. Thank you for your ongoing commitment to Saturday Morning Breakfast and Showers. We appreciate you!
To get involved or donate to SMBS, call Calvary Bellflower Church at 562-246-9751.