Refuge Church Launches Cooking Classes to Build Community

Refuge Church in Manor, Pennsylvania, is launching a new community outreach program offering free cooking lessons to help families prepare healthy, budget-friendly meals. The classes, covering basic knife skills, baking, and stove-top cooking techniques, aim to rebuild practical culinary skills that have diminished over time due to the shift toward convenience foods.

The first two sessions are scheduled for May 3 and May 5, with future lessons planned on a variety of topics, including pasta dishes, soups, and snacks. The initiative was inspired by church attendee Shannon Hach, who noticed while volunteering at the Refuge Boutique—a free clothing store operated by the church—that many families lacked basic cooking skills. Refuge Church has also been providing food baskets and recipe cards to boutique shoppers, reinforcing the idea that community members are eager for practical help with meal preparation.

Volunteer Dianne McMaster emphasized that the lessons are accessible to all skill levels, noting that even experienced cooks can learn new techniques. Beyond the practical skills, the program seeks to strengthen community ties and embody the church’s mission of revealing God’s love through service.

“We want to connect with people, develop relationships, and strengthen our community,” said Hach. “It’s not just about cooking—it’s about showing God’s character of deep love and care.” Refuge Church hopes these gatherings will foster a supportive environment where participants feel valued and encouraged.

Each class will be limited to eight participants, and child care will be provided to ensure accessibility for families. Interested individuals must register by April 28 through the link posted on the Refuge Church Boutique Facebook page.

For more details, refer to the original article on Trib Live.