Cindy Parker has always had a passion for helping those less fortunate.

The Lyndora woman has aided homeless veterans for years.

But, about a year ago, she began to notice another need in her community.

Parker realized only one organization serves a Sunday community meal in Butler and then only once a month.

She wants to change all that.

“It’s something I’ve had in my heart for a while,” Parker said. “It’s something I really feel is important for Butler.”

Sunday Parker’s hope will become reality as she and other members of her Victory Family Church of Cranberry Township will serve a meal from 5 to 6 p.m. Sunday at St. Peter’s Anglican Church at 218 East Jefferson St.

Following the meal, she said, there will be an optional time for praise and prayer.

“This ministry isn’t just about providing a meal, it’s about feeding body, mind and spirit,” Parker said.

Parker hopes to serve a meal the third Sunday of each month.

St. Peter’s Pastor Andrew DeFusco said church members are pleased there will be another meal for the Butler community and hopes it will continue and grow.

“Ultimately really long-term, I’d like to see a Sunday meal every Sunday,“ DeFusco.

St. Peter’s serves its own community meal the last Sunday of each month.

The Sunday meal at St. Peter’s began as a winter outreach and then expanded into a year-round program. DeFusco said about 80 to 100 people are served at each meal.

He said Parker reached out to the church, and the pair decided it would be a benefit to have the two community meals in the same venue. He said he and other St. Peter’s members are excited an “outside group” wants to join and expand their ministry.

When Parker began to see the need for another meal in Butler, she shared her thoughts with the Victory Family care pastor, Chris Palmer, who suggested she form a small group to implement her plan.

Victory Family Church has many small groups ranging from book clubs to community outreach projects to drug and alcohol counseling, Parker said.

“Whatever the Lord lays on your heart,” she said.

Church members who want to form a small group must first submit their idea and have it approved by the session, the governing body of the church. The church provides no financial assistance to the groups.

Parker wants to involve more local churches in her ministry, creating a network of churches to help prepare and serve meals, as well as donate food.

“There are churches out there that would like to come on board,” she said.

She is hoping to secure donations of used and leftover food from businesses, restaurants and grocery stores.

Although her proposed meal program has been plagued by bumps in the road, including venue changes and a shifting of volunteers, Parker is ready to begin her long-dreamed-about ministry.

Those who want to donate paper products, food or money, or those who wish to volunteer, can call Parker at 724- 968-2018. She said all donations will be tax-deductible.

“My goal is for this to be a long-term, going ministry,” she said.