The fifth annual Community Thanksgiving dinner will be served 5 to 7 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 21, at the Light and Life Free Methodist Ministry Center of Perry, or while the food lasts.
A full turkey dinner, with all the trimmings, will be offered by the church’s steward’s ministry. The free dinner is offered to anyone in the Perry, Morrice, Shaftsburg area who may be unemployed, on fixed incomes, the needy, homeless, singles, small families and struggling families with young children, “or if you just want a great Thanksgiving dinner without all the cooking and mess!” it was stated.
Pastor Colleen Landino said the church is reaching out to serve the community in the Perry area. “We are a small church with a big heart and we want to go beyond our four walls and reach out to help our community. We know that there are many in our area who are unable to have a traditional Thanksgiving dinner and we want to offer them an opportunity to gather their family together around our table and give thanks! We are all so blessed in so many ways and we believe that God intends for us to share in the bounty He has provided to each of us.”
Volunteers from the congregation have signed up to assist with greeting, serving, working in the kitchen, bussing tables and clean up. “Always enjoyable are all of the desserts including pumpkin pie, of course, as well as apple pie, and pumpkin cookies, etc.” she said. “This is not a church service. We’re just there to serve them a delicious meal. Two years ago we had a family of 14 who came. They hadn’t been able to be together on Thanksgiving for years because no one could afford to do it and they didn’t have a home large enough for everyone to come. They sat around the table laughing and enjoying themselves just as if they were at home. That’s what it’s all about. Sharing God’s love with laughter and joy.
“Diners can come at any time but reservations are strongly recommended for groups over five so that we can accommodate sitting the group together.” Others wishing a specific time of sitting may also call ahead for planned seating. The church is handicap accessible and those who are physically unable to wait in line will be served by the members. Those interested are asked to leave a voice mail on the church’s answering machine with their group name and the number expected to attend. This will also help with food preparation and planning but is not required. They look forward to serving everyone who wants to attend.
The church is at 216 Williams Street in Perry, one block west of the PNC Bank. The church’s phone number is (517) 625-3160 where a message can be left at anytime.
