A friend told me about two churches in my city that have been hosting a free community dinner each month. One event is on the first Thursday and the other on the third Thursday. Most of the attendees are elderly people on fixed income like me, but there are a few people with children and others who are just lonely. The atmosphere is relaxed and pleasant. It is perfect for making new friends and sharing experiences. The food is always plentiful and good, especially the homemade desserts. Several supermarkets sponsor the events by providing food and church members volunteer to prepare and serve the meals. There is always plenty for seconds and for some people to take home. There is a prayer over the food and attendees, but it is the loving, friendly service of the volunteers that demonstrates the love of Christ without words. In July, a third church will begin hosting dinner on the second Thursday.
Last month was my first time attending the third Thursday dinner. I got there late and had to park on the far side of the parking lot. They were having an outdoor cookout. When they saw me hobbling up, one person found a chair and put it at the end of a table so I wouldn’t have to walk far on the grass. Another person volunteered to go through the serving line for me and brought back a plate full of food. I exchanged names with everyone at my table and struck up a conversation with a retired couple sitting next to me. It was their first time at a community dinner so I told them about the one I had attended a couple of times on the first Thursday. We exchanged phone numbers to keep in touch between dinners. She even called me later that evening to make sure I made it home safely. When we ran out of lemonade a woman at our table asked a young man if there was some more. When he came back with a pitcher her husband recognized him as the pastor and told his wife, “You went right to the boss.” I love his response, “God is the boss. I’m Adam.” After the meal, I stood to leave and Adam asked if he could go get my car and pull it around for me. I appreciated his “valet service”.
This past Thursday, my friend couldn’t make it and my new friends were sitting at another table. By the time they saw me and invited me to join them, someone was already getting my food so I told them I would sit with them next time. A sweet little lady with a walker and long snow white hair sat next to me. She introduced friends who brought her and said her name is Alice, “Like Alice In wonderland”. She has a wonderful personality and outlook on life that makes me think everywhere she goes is “wonderland”. She told me with a smile that she is happy to be old. I told her I feel blessed to have made it this far too.
I’m sharing all of this because I would love to see these community dinners pop up everywhere. It is a great way for Christians to share the love of God in a very tangible manner providing both food and fellowship. Since each church only hosts once a month it doesn’t become a burden and is an event to which volunteers and attendees alike can look forward.