Mercy Justice: Community Kitchen Lunch

This week, a group of Year 11 students headed down to Kyneton Community House 'Good Food Hub' to take part in our first Community Lunch service-learning session.

Each Wednesday, the Community House hosts a lunch that welcomes people from all walks of life; offering people a meal, a place of connection, and a sense of belonging.

During lunch, our students experienced both the practical and relational aspects of hospitality, helping prepare for lunch, cleaning up, and sitting alongside guests and sharing in conversation and connection.

This new partnership is all about encounter and action. It provides our young people with the opportunity to live out our Mercy values of hospitality, respect, service, and justice in tangible ways. Whether it’s working in the kitchen, setting tables, or simply being an open presence, our students are learning that faith isn’t just something we talk about but it’s something we do.

Scripture reminds us to “welcome one another just as Christ has welcomed you” (Romans 15:7), and to care for the 'widow, the orphan, and the stranger.' This work is part of our shared calling to recognise the dignity of every person, and to help build communities where everyone has enough.

As Pilgrims of Hope, we step into these spaces believing that even small acts of compassion can be seeds of transformation. In a world marked by loneliness, injustice, and fear, these moments of shared humanity are where hope takes root. We are reminded of the promise in Romans: “Hope does not disappoint us, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit.” (Romans 5:5)

Hope doesn’t disappoint. Not because everything is easy or perfect, but because when we act with love, we become part of something bigger than ourselves. Through this partnership, our students are not only supporting others, but they’re being also formed in compassion, courage, and the kind of hope that transforms communities.

If the trial continues successfully, we’re excited to grow this into a longer-term and sustainable part of our Mercy Justice program. For now, we’re grateful for a great start and we're proud of our students for showing up with open hands and open hearts.