Christians will tell you they are called not only to worship the Christ who saved them but to serve the needy around them, not only the spiritually needy but the physically needy as well.

With that in mind, Sharon Baptist Church members Saturday will begin a monthly lunch program called The Real Meal for those in the community who are struggling and may need a hot meal during the weekend.

Deacon Jack Lewis said the idea began a few months ago and when he and fellow church member Kathy Markins first approached the congregation with the idea and 24 woman and several men attended the first planning meeting; more than 40 people attended the second planning meeting.

Lewis said the Ironton City Mission serves hot meals through the week; his church wants to help the hungry on the weekends. Lewis said his congregation wanted to start small, with one Saturday a month, and increase meals as they can.

“We’d like to do it every Saturday but we’re taking baby steps to see where The Lord leads us,” Lewis explained. “We recognize there is a need not only in Ironton but really its nationwide.”

For now, this program will be the third Saturday of every month. The hours will be 11 a.m.-1 p.m.

“There are many hurting people/families in our community,” Markins said in an email to the Tribune, “and this is just one way for us as a church give back to our community while sharing the love of God.”