LUSK – “Jesus said, “If you have faith as a small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, move from here to there and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.” Matthew 17:20 (ESV). In 2009, St. George’s Episcopal church took this scripture to the heart of their church family and came together as a congregation to design a program to host a free community meal each month, lovingly called “Mustard Seed Dinners.” 

Through a Mustard Seed Grant from the Episcopal Foundation they renovated the kitchen of the existing church building. With new tablecloths, serving ware, kitchen ware, etc., community dinners at St. George’s would create a shared experience and community awareness of various non-profit programs and needs in the Lusk community and greater Niobrara county area. 

Non-profit, community programs are invited to prepare and serve the dinners each month, allowing them to tell their story and reach out to the public. The non-profits are paid $500 to prepare and serve the dinners which are free to the public, any donations for the meal are given to the serving group. On average, 5-6 Mustard Seed meals are hosted each year. This unique and successful fundraising opportunity has included groups from the school, the library, Masons, 4-H, VFW, Wyoming Child and Family, Cattle Women, Niobrara County Fairgrounds Foundation, Lusk ROCS, and many more. Each group must be sponsored by a church member, provide “entertainment” and a meal. 

The April Mustard Seed meal was hosted and served by the Mustard Seed committee. It was used to raise both awareness and funds for future Mustard Seed programs. They served a baked potato bar, dessert and drinks. Members were available to answer questions about the program. St. George’s is extremely proud of the Mustard Seed dinners, the community spirit, gathering for a meal, and the sense of family the dinners provide. Donations to this community project can be dropped off at Bloomers or with any St. George’s Church member.