BELLE — For many families, Thanksgiving is a time to gather around a table filled with food, gratitude and familiar faces. For others, the day can feel lonely or uncertain. First Christian Church in Belle hopes to change that by opening its doors to anyone in need of a warm meal or a place to belong.

The congregation will host a free Thanksgiving meal beginning at 1 p.m. on Thanksgiving, welcoming all who wish to attend. What began as an act of service has become a shared effort rooted deeply in faith, compassion and community spirit.

According to Minister Richard Doughten, the preparation is very much a church-wide effort.

“In total, there are about 15 members of the congregation that do the meal planning and preparing, while the rest of our congregation helps spread the word about the meal and prays for blessings to come to all who come,” Doughten said. “Our congregation is wonderful about pulling together and determined to not only support each other, but show the love of God to as many people as we can reach.”

That spirit is reflected in the church’s guiding motto, “Seek an intimate relationship with God. Care for each other in fellowship. Share Christ through community outreach.”

Doughten said the annual Thanksgiving meal gives the church a chance to live out those words in a meaningful way.

“We strive to fulfill this motto and bring people closer to God through acts of love, no matter their walks in life,” he said.

At the heart of the event is the belief that churches have an important role to play in supporting neighbors experiencing need. Doughten pointed to scripture as a reminder of that calling.

“In Matthew 25:40, Jesus calls his disciples to feed and clothe those who are in need; if they do that, then they have done it for Him,” he said. “Churches collect tithes for more than the purpose of sustaining a church building. We choose to help those in need because we are all disciples of Jesus and are called to take care of our neighbors.”

That sense of neighborly care is especially meaningful on a holiday centered around gratitude and togetherness. Ensuring that no one feels isolated is a core part of why the church serves this meal.

“Churches are the perfect place for everyone to come together and be surrounded in love while we celebrate the holidays together,” Doughten said. “Everyone is family in our church, whether it’s your first day with us, or if you have been here your entire life.”

As Thanksgiving approaches, First Christian Church hopes their table offers more than turkey and sides—it hopes to provide connection, comfort and a reminder that community is something to be cherished.