St. John's Church Thanksgiving fellowship meal set for Nov. 22
A bountiful banquet of delicious homemade food awaits the arrival of hungry Thanksgiving guests at the annual St. John's church Thanksgiving dinner. (Photo submitted)
By Caroline Rosacker
Are you alone, homebound or an empty nester with no family nearby to celebrate Thanksgiving with? St. John’s Lutheran Church in Guttenberg is planning its annual community Thanksgiving dinner Thursday, Nov. 22, at 12 noon. This year marks the 11th year for this event.
The St. John’s Outreach Committee begins planning for this event in September. Church members from St. John's and St. Paul's donate food for the meal. A sign-up sheet is available in the narthex of each church.
Approximately 140 lbs. of turkey, 20 lbs. of ham and 60 lbs. of potatoes make up the meat, potatoes and gravy portion of the meal.
Numerous salads, green bean casserole, dressing, corn and cranberry sauce fill out the side dishes.
Parishioners donate a variety of homemade pies, providing the much-anticipated end to the perfect Thanksgiving meal.
Coffee and hot apple cider are available to complement the meal.
This community event is designed not only to feed the community but also provide a warm, inviting space to enjoy fellowship with neighbors you may know and an opportunity to become acquainted with those you don’t. Decorated tables and a helpful inviting group of volunteers will make any individual feel welcome.
The event requires an army of volunteers working together to provide this community service. Volunteers are needed the Wednesday before to cook and carve the turkey as well as meal preparation the day of the event. If you have a passion for holiday decorating, volunteers are needed for setting up and decorating tables and chairs. Drivers are needed to deliver meals within the city limits to homebound residents and provide transportation for those in need of a ride. A clean-up committee to clean and take down tables rounds out the day.
The church serves an average of 100 – 120 meals each Thanksgiving day.
Reservations for this free event to dine-in, carry out, request home delivery or for transportation to and from the church can be made by calling 563-252-2355 before Nov. 19.
