KINDNESS ARRIVES IN ANGEL FOOD CAKES

When members of Maple United Methodist Church need a little encouragement, a sympathetic ear or a thank you for a job well done, it's often James and Neva Mowery delivering the message.

Over the years, the Mowerys have developed a trademark calling card -- angel food cakes. The message is simple. Angels are looking out for people and so is the church congregation.

Mary Spell, who also attends Maple United Methodist Church, said the Mowerys never fail to deliver in times of need.

When someone is sick or when a death occurs, the Mowerys arrive with an angel food cake.

"She has brought them to our house when we have been having hard times," Spell said. "Sometimes an angel food cake just hits the spot."

The Mowerys offer their weekend cabin for church retreats, plan special events for children at the church and Neva teaches Sunday School. But it's the cakes that have brought them attention.

"Others enjoy her labors," Spell said. "They are really good neighbors to everyone they meet."

Neva Mowery said she got the idea for baking cakes because the price of flower arrangements was so high.

"I started taking a cake instead," she said. She and James deliver the cakes.

Over the years, Neva Mowery has branched out. A member of the church was undergoing dialysis, so she started preparing a meal each day the person underwent dialysis. After that friend died, Neva continued cooking meals and delivering them to people in need.

"When we get a new member at church, I always take them a loaf of bread to let them know we appreciate them," she said.

When Neva worked full time, she didn't have time to do lots of kindnesses, although she wanted to.

"Since I'm home now and don't have anything else urgent, I've just been doing it," she said. "It's just a little something that I can do."

And those who receive the homemade treats and meals are always thankful.

"That's important to me. I know I've helped someone else."