Church serves free community Christmas meal
St. John’s family-style meal included turkey, ham and all the trimmings
St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church of Boyertown served a free meal open to the community on Christmas Day.
“We hope that the Christmas Day meal exhibits St. John’s core values of authentic worship, radical generosity, sacrificial service and intentional relationships to the community,” said Jen Friz, church secretary. “We aim to create a safe environment, welcoming all people, to enjoy a hot meal and an opportunity for fellowship with others in the celebration of the birth of Jesus.”
St. John’s served 70 meals of turkey, ham and all the trimmings on Christmas Day in its Fellowship Hall at 45 N. Reading Ave. and provided more than 130 takeout meals.
“The attendees as well as the volunteers felt the positive atmosphere and were grateful for the opportunity to spend time with each other,” Friz said. “Many people who received takeout meals were appreciative of a hot meal on Christmas as many were delivered to people with health conditions or are homebound and find it difficult to leave the house.”
The family-style meal was open to all in the community and did not require registration. Christmas worship was held in the sanctuary prior to the meal.
The more than 60 volunteers helped with decorating the Fellowship Hall, preparing and serving the dinner, making desserts, greeting people, talking and building relationships with guests as well as cleaning up.
“Over half of the volunteers were from outside of the St. John’s congregation, people looking to volunteer their time and serve the community on Christmas Day. It included many youth volunteers,” Friz said.
Turkey, ham, potato filing, gravy, veggies, cranberry sauce and homemade cookies, cakes and pies were served.
The event included Christmas music played on the keyboard.
“It was a warm, welcoming atmosphere filled with joyful conversations and fun,” Friz said. “Many people have attended this event for a dozen years or more so they enjoy catching up with attendees and volunteers that they’ve gotten to know over the years.”
Every Saturday evening from 4:30 to 5:30, St. John’s serves more than 200 free, hot to-go meals through its Come to the Table ministry.
“The ministries of St. John’s are focused on loving God and loving our neighbors, so we aim to serve and partner with our community in all of our ministries,” Friz said.
For more information or for volunteer opportunities visit the church website at stjohnsboyertown.org.