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| Tuesday, February 9, 2010 |
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Thanksgiving meal a success
Published November 27, 2006
A survey of nine members of Randall's Chapel United Methodist Church drew varying comments at the Thanksgiving meal open to the public at the church on Thanksgiving Day.
A traditional meal of turkey, ham and the trimmings was served by a number of members of the church.
The meal idea started out for homeless people and those with no one else to have a meal with on Thanksgiving, then was opened to the public. Ralph Grider said it was decided not to limit the meal to any certain group.
It was members of Grider's Sunday School class who came up with the idea after Thanksgiving last year and this was the culmination of those plans. It was a community-wide event.
It was a volunteer program in which an estimated 80 to 100 church members helped.
Lay leader Harold Brookshire said he was told by a church official that more than 300 people were served. Brookshire stated he was well pleased with the turnout for this first event of its kind for the church and he hopes the attendance will be even bigger next year. "We had a lot of community support for this," he said
It was unknown how many people attending were homeless or alone, but authorities said there were quite a few and that they did not ask questions about peoples' financial situations.
Eddie Allen, president of the church's United Methodist Men's Club, said, "We had a good turnout. People worked very hard. I don't think we could have asked for it to be any better. I think it was great."
Elaine Brookshire, president of the church's United Methodist Women's Club, stated, "What a memorable Thanksgiving Day to be able to serve the community with food and fellowship."
Elbert Beaird, treasurer of the Men's Club and church historian, said, "I think we had good results. A lot of people were in the homeless mode when they came through the line." In addition to those present, Beaird said it was "no telling" how many carry-outs there were.
Beaird stated, "It was a good deed the church did in presenting this. It was enjoyable for everybody who came. We had a good assembly line going in the kitchen. I was on the end of the line serving cranberry sauce."
Comments from others included:
Teresa Wendlick, a Sunday School teacher — "Today was a wonderful day here at Randall's Chapel. God has truly blessed us. We all have so much to be thankful for."
Loyal Kirby, longtime faithful member — "I don't think you can beat it. I've been coming to church here for 48 years. We had only a sanctuary back then."
Lana Richey, active member — "This was our (church's) first Thanksgiving meal and a real blessing for church members and those who came."
Debra Snyder, member of the Praise Team — "It was a wonderful blessing to see so many came and shared our Thanksgiving dinner."
David Wendlick, member of the Praise Team — "We've been blessed beyond our wildest dreams. I hope to have just as much fun next year."
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