Based on the success of its initial participation in the Laundry Love program, WordUP Ministries will continue to offer the free service on the first Thursday of each month. As part of the initiative, those who visit the Gap Laundry, located at 5291 Lincoln Highway, on Thursday, Feb. 5, between 1 and 3 p.m. will be able to wash and dry their clothes free of charge.

The program began on Nov. 6 and was held again on Dec. 4. "For the first one, we just had a couple of people," reported pastor Buck Mowday, noting the December event was well attended, attracting about 15 people. "For the second one ... we did 51 loads of washing and drying in a two-hour period." He noted that the church also provided free pizza for attendees and coloring books for children.

In January, the event would have fallen on New's Year's Day, so the program did not take place.

On Feb. 5, participants will be asked to sign in when they arrive, and they will be assigned a number. When they place their clothes in the washer and dryer, church members will provide the quarters.

The number of loads washed and other information will be reported to Laundry Love, a national nonprofit organization. According to http://www.laundrylove.org, the organization's mission is to bring dignity and hope to people by helping them wash their clothes and bedding through volunteer-run events across the United States. Participants do not need to show identification or personal information to receive help. 

In addition to its Laundry Love services, the church is planning a "Soup for the Soul" event on Sunday, Feb. 22, at noon. The theme of the program is "Come Hungry, Leave Filled!"

Along with grilled cheese sandwiches, homemade soup will be offered, including tomato and vegetable. "Church members will make the soup," Mowday explained. "It is open to the public and free. And it will take place at noon, right after the service."

The Sunday service at WordUP is held at 10:45 a.m. A cafe is open prior to the service at 10 a.m. All events are open to the public.

WordUP held a similar program last October that featured a chili cook-off along with grilled cheese sandwiches. Mowday pointed out that WordUP started as Soup, Sandwich and Talk events that were held at the Gap Fire Company. Each program included a variety of free soups and sandwiches with a short sermon. The programs were the predecessor to the creation of WordUP Community Ministries in 2018.

WordUP is located at 160 Route 41, Gap, on the second floor of the Dutchland Inc. building. An elevator is available. For more information, visit www.wordupcommunityministries.org or search for "WordUP Community Ministries" on Facebook. Those with questions may email buckmowday@gmail.com.