A soothing atmosphere is only superseded by the incredible aroma filling the kitchen of the St. Andrew's United Church, 128 1st St. E. 

Yesterday, Sept. 18, was the first of many Tuesday mornings that volunteers from the congregation will man the kitchen to prepare fresh soup for their weekly free lunch. For over four years it has proven to be a low key community builder.

Carole Clement is overseeing the lunch program until Rev. Ray Goodship returns from his sabbatical and this particular day she was working with her husband Steve and fellow cooks Alaina and Uwe Eckert in preparing a hamburger soup. They were anticipating 40 or so people to come out on opening day. For many, it would be a chance for many regulars to catch up since the lunch was last held in May.  

"It's almost a community in itself," Rev. Ray Goodship previously told CochraneNow. "Some people have built friendships over the last few years."

People from all walks of life come to enjoy the hot lunch. There's an average of 50 people served weekly during the year, never less than 35 and some weeks upwards of 70. All receive a large bowl of freshly-made soup, buns, dessert and refreshments at absolutely no charge.

It's one of many ways the church's congregation gives back to the community. In return, there's been an unsolicited reply of generous donations of both funds and food. In fact, it's proven to be self-supporting. The church refuses to accept donations from those who partake in the lunch--that's not why it was created. Those who are insistent on chipping are directed to the church office. 

"There's lots of community support. I asked the congregation for money the first day and I haven't had to ask for money since," says Goodship.

"We have a designated fund that people can donate to, but we never ask for money here. If people ask how to donate, they go to the office."

On occasion, there are volunteers from outside the church's congregation who are guest cooks. The sign-up sheet for kitchen duties rapidly fills and there's a solid core of about 30 committed volunteers.

Goodship believes the lunch continues to experience widespread success and support because this is something people can easily connect with and understand its value to the community.

By next week they'll be a selection of two soups offered, explains Steve Clement, and that will continue until the end of May. The church opens for lunch from12 noon to 1 p.m., although should a group be caught up in conversation there is a little leniency shown.

The door is always left open to anyone who wishes to attend.

"It's so cool. It's people from Cochrane coming together to enjoy a meal and each other's company," says Clement.