Ashure, known as Noah’s pudding, is a grain pudding known as the first meal that Noah from the Old Testament in the Bible fed his family as they left the ark. It is considered a dessert or celebration dish. It is made from leftover grains. It symbolizes peace and harmony among all living creatures in God’s creation. In principle, you eat only very little of the ashure you prepare. You share most of it with the poor, your neighbors, friends, and others. This act generates abundance and strengthens community bonds.
The renaming team valued the story of Noah and his family, who lived through struggle and crisis and whom God delivered from the ark. They felt the connection between crisis and struggle was significant. They also valued that the name Ashure represents a celebration, thanksgiving, and sacrifice. It is a shared dish among a community that genuinely cares for each other. It embodies hope for a new day and gives glory to God for bringing that new day.
They chose to include the word Ministry in the name instead of the plural version, ministries. The new mission to provide crisis assistance to the people of Catawba County is holistic, and most clients qualify for multiple programs they offer. They are one ministry offering comprehensive programs or services.