JourneyBe, a church/gathering place in Polson, welcomes people of all faiths, for services at 11 a.m. Sundays, led by Pastor Wendy Kinsolving.

Prior to the COVID pandemic, JourneyBe was also a soup kitchen that served free lunches, usually soup, bread and a dessert. Sandy Farrell came up with the idea, and then-Pastor John Payne loved it. Lunches were available four days a week, and those who could afford to put a donation in the jar.

Volunteers, many from other churches, made a huge batch of their favorite soup. Other volunteers served lunch, made dessert, and cleaned up. Everyone visited with lunch-goers, and the ambiance was warm and friendly.

JourneyBe participates in the Friday night dinners churches around the community provide, taking a turn on the last Friday of the month. Laura Reynolds and Megan Fogle have settled in as cooks with other members providing ingredients, desserts and helping hands.

The congregation is planning to serve lunch again, especially since funding for SNAP (food stamps) benefits and Meals on Wheels face significant cuts in federal funding and food insecurity might become more of a problem in the community.

However, to do so, JourneyBe needs help, including new members and volunteers.

“Our church is a place of welcome in the community,” Fogle said. “Our church is really open to everybody; we welcome all faiths. We want to make sure we can keep our church doors open,”

Since funding is an issue to keep the church doors open and buy food, JourneyBe held a recent rummage sale, and continues to welcome cash donations.

JourneyBe is located on the corner of 7th Ave. W and 1st Street E.; for more information, call 406-883-5160.