BELLE — Anyone looking for a warm meal or friendly company this Thanksgiving is invited to the Belle-Bland Community Center, where a free community dinner will be served from 11:30 a.m. to 1 …
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BELLE — Anyone looking for a warm meal or friendly company this Thanksgiving is invited to the Belle-Bland Community Center, where a free community dinner will be served from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Thanksgiving. Volunteers from Bland Christian Church, Celebrate Recovery, Belle Community Church and several other individuals have joined together to make sure no one in the area spends the holiday alone.
Tim Long and his wife Anna Long, who are helping coordinate the event, said the meal is meant to reflect the spirit of Christ.
“The people involved and members have been generous as they always are,” he said. “They have provided prayers, side dishes, desserts and support. Teamwork, generosity and the spirit of Christ is throughout the work of the church and the people of the church.”
The idea to hold the dinner grew from last year, when another group within the church hosted a Thanksgiving meal that showed how many local residents appreciate the opportunity not only to gather, but to serve others. Volunteers felt there would be a strong need again this year, and several stepped forward to help.
Long said the message behind the meal is simple.
“Through, and because of, the love of Christ we are all one and therefore we should care for, and take care of, one another,” he said.
He added that while food insecurity is a concern for some families, the sense of fellowship is just as important. Churches play a role in both, he said.
“Churches should do their best to support those in need when possible. However the church always provides a means of fellowship and that alone can be a huge support to many,” he said.
Above all, volunteers want to ensure no one feels forgotten during a holiday centered on gratitude and togetherness.
“It is important that everyone feels the love of Jesus. Without him we have nothing to be grateful for,” Long said.
He wants anyone who attends to leave knowing they are cared for.
“I hope they know they are loved and known by us, and more importantly that they are known by Christ and they are not alone,” he said.
