The air is brisk. Leaves have spectacular colors. Daylight hours are short. Fall has arrived and with it our community dinners. On the last Wednesday of each month, through the school year, First Presbyterian makes, serves and shares a dinner for the community in which we live. This is a glorious outreach mission that is lots of fun for the participants and guests alike.

On the afternoon of the designated Wednesday congregation members gather in the kitchen of Calvin Hall. (Health laws ask for all food that is to be consumed by the community be prepared and cooked in a certified kitchen. Calvin Hall’s kitchen is certified.) Chopping, stirring, and mixing; plus laughter, story-telling and conversing begin around 3:30 to 4 in the afternoon. By 5:30 the smells emanating from the kitchen makes your mouth water. By 6 the round tables are dressed with center decorations, often fresh flowers, and table cloths. Guests arrive from 6 on.

Shortly after 6 all the participants, congregation members and guests form a large circle for a prayer of thanks. Then plates are filled with nutritious, fresh food and everyone sits together for repast.

With this outreach program bodies are fed and souls are touched. It is a wonderful opportunity to connect with others, to dialogue with people. It allows those outside our church to see the warmth our membership has for all humans. This dinner is for all of us. So plan on involvement in this outreach mission, be it food preparation, food consumption, and/or food clean-up.

Submitted by Judi Quiett Mission and Society Committee