A day of food and fellowship at House of Healing.
House of Healing Church offering free pig and lamb roast dinner on Sunday
A Gardiner Mines man says opening the doors to the House of Healing Church on Easter Sunday to provide a free pig and lamb roast is all about the community.
“It’s a day of fellowship,” said Peter Arapis. “Whoever wants to come is welcome to come.”
Arapis believes Easter is the most important time of the year and encourages people to get out of the house and join them.
“It was a long season of winter and it’s a good time for everyone to get out of their house and have unity,” he said. “We just want to bring people together let them know they are not alone.”
Peter Arapis and his wife Heather Arapis purchased the former Boutiler’s Salvage Yard in Gardiner Mines in December 2015. In November 2016 they purchased the former St. Eugene’s Church and recently reopened it as the non-denominational House of Healing Church of Cape Breton.
The couple will be at the church on Saturday from 2-8 p.m. to prepare for the barbecue and welcome anyone who would like to stop by and volunteer their time.
“It’s a day of fellowship, whoever wants to get out of the house even just to have a coffee, come out and join us.”
On Sunday the barbecues will be set up at 6:30 a.m. to begin cooking the meat which is about a 10-hour process.
Again on Sunday, volunteers will be welcome.
“Heather and I have to be free to talk to the people coming in to share our journey, to share what’s going on so we would appreciate any help.”
An Easter service with communion will begin at 10:30 a.m. led by Pastor Barry Edmondson of British Columbia who has moved to the area and joined the House of Healing Church. The dinner will be served at 5 p.m.
He said not knowing if they will get 100 people or 1,000 they are preparing a tremendous amount of food but he has faith it will all work out.
Arapis said he and his wife are providing the meal however people are welcome to bring a salad, dessert or bread. He said there is no charge but donations will be accepted.
Entertainment by Eddie Parris and the Inspirational Singers will begin at 5 p.m.
He said any Christian performers or any vendors who would like to set up in the basement at no charge are asked to call him at 902-276-3508. Anyone needing a drive to the dinner is also asked to call.