Press release

October 21st, Rotary Clubs of Bishop presented a “big check” in the amount of $9000.00 to Pastor Matt McPhee to help purchase a new commercial range with burners, griddle and 2 ovens for The Bishop First United Methodist Church. A separate legal check was given to the Pastor!

Pictured from left to right, starting at the back: (Group Picture)
Eric Butner, Phil McDowell, Ed Morse, Nancy Hardy, Wynne Benti, Will Richmond
2nd Row:
Ramona Delmas, Pastor Matt McPhee, Ellen Siegel, Pastor Erin Maddox McPhee, Rick Litman
Kneeling down:
Tom Hardy, Kammi Foote, Sunrise Rotary President, Sue Lyndes, noon Rotary President, Jeff Griffiths
Photos by Pat Nahin

Rotarian Ed Morse has been helping in the Soup Kitchen and recognized the need for a new range. He suggested that the two Rotary clubs in Bishop apply for grants from the Rotary District 5190 plus contribute money from each club. Rotary Club Presidents Kammi Foote and Sue Lyndes got together and accomplished receiving the grants and donations. Pastor Matt is now shopping for the new Range with installation anticipated in time for the community Christmas dinner.

Pastor Matt said the Soup Kitchen was established to provide nourishing lunches to those in need. An average of 75 hot, nutritious and freshly prepared lunches are served every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at noon in the Bishop First United Methodist Center (205 N. Fowler St.) In addition, showers are available from 9:30 am to 11:30 am on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. The Church not only serves the homeless and those in special need, but also those who simply wish to join with others in fellowship. Pastor Matt said the church is thankful for the many groups that partner with them to make the meal and shower ministry possible.

Ed Morse, Pastor Matt McPhee and Sue Lyndes

Contributions to the United Methodist Social Services are greatly appreciated. They are now in need of a new commercial freezer!

The Rotary Club of Bishop and the Sunrise Rotary are part of over 1.2 million business, professional and community leaders who meet to exchange ideas and take action to create positive change in their communities and worldwide.

For more information please contact Sue Lyndes at 873 4958.

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The Rotary Club of Bishop completed their annual school box program October 1, 2015.  Over 10 years ago, Rotarian Kay O’Brien started this wonderful community program.  Teachers at the Pine Street Elementary School and Round Valley School are always happy to give a list of “extra” school supplies they need in their classrooms.  A first this year was giving the teachers an order form and letting them order the supplies they wanted.  Over $1200.00 was spent on the supplies.  The club will be contributing the same school box program next January.