A small pantry with a big mission.
On a bright and hope-filled morning in April, Grace Episcopal Church in Carthage had the joy of hosting the ribbon cutting and blessing of Carthage’s very first Blessing Box—a small pantry offering free food and essentials to anyone in need. Located just outside the church, this simple wooden structure represents something much greater: a shared commitment to compassion, dignity, and care for our neighbors.
This new initiative, the first of many planned across Carthage, was made possible through a growing partnership between Grace Episcopal Church and local ministries dedicated to serving Jasper County. This initiative was also made possible by Toni SMith and Carthage Crosslines Ministry for their collaboration and leadership, and also to Larry Hartman and his crew, whose craftmanship brought the first box to life.
The second Blessing Box has already been installed at Crosslines Ministry and is ready to serve. Each box operates on a simple and profound principle: Take what you need, leave what you can. It’s an invitation to generosity, mutual care, and community resilience.
The blessing ceremony was attended by approximately 30 members of Grace Church and the wider Carthage community. As the box was blessed, prayers were offered for those who will give and those who will receive.
“For 156 years, Grace Episcopal Church has sought to serve Carthage with love, hope, and humility,” writes the Rev. Joe Pierjok. “This project continues that legacy, and we are excited to partner with local ministries, neighbors, and organizations to build up God’s kingdom here in Jasper County. These boxes may be small, but they are filled with grace—and they have the power to nourish both body and soul. As the Church, we are called not only to worship within our walls but to serve beyond them. Through this ministry and many others, Grace is living into that call, striving each day to be the hands and heart of Christ in our community.”
This article was submitted by the Very Rev. Joe Pierjok, cmj, Rector of Grace Episcopal Church in Carthage and the Dean of the Southern Deanery.
