One of the principal rules of religion is to lose no occasion of serving God. And, since he is invisible to our eyes, we are to serve him in our neighbor; which he receives as if done to himself in person, standing visibly before us.— John Wesley, co-founder of the Methodist movement
A street-side sign welcomes diners to the 2012 free Community Christmas Dinner. Minnesota Prairie Roots file photo.
IT’S NOT LIKE I NEED a free meal. There’s plenty of food in my cupboards, refrigerator and freezer.
But, for the past several years, I’ve eaten at the Fourth Avenue United Methodist Church, Faribault, Community Christmas Dinner.
For me, dining in the basement of this 1915 church just weeks before Christmas is about being part of my community—connecting with friends and strangers in the spirit of neighborliness and holiday good will.
A sampling of the volunteer crew which puts on the Christmas dinner. Minnesota Prairie Roots file photo 2012.
There’s something about partaking in a community meal, prepared and served by a crew of dedicated volunteers, that makes me feel embraced and cherished.
My meal, minus the cranberries, bread and cake which were also served. Minnesota Prairie Roots file photo 2012.
I appreciate the smiles of servers dishing turkey and meatballs, mashed potatoes with gravy and green beans onto hefty plates that have graced this church basement through many an occasion. In my plate, I feel the weight of grief and joy, of comfort and celebration.
Volunteers served around 225 diners at the free Community Christmas Dinner in 2012. Minnesota Prairie Roots file photo 2012.
In the closeness of back-to-back folding chairs pulled to tables draped with red and green plastic tablecloths and topped with festive poinsettias, I engage in warm conversation.
It’s all about connecting here, through words and food.
The din of a church basement is unequaled—rise and fall of voices, clatter of dishes and kettles, occasional outbursts of laughter.
To be there nourishes more than my body. This Community Christmas Dinner also feeds my soul and reaffirms for me that I am blessed to call Faribault home.
The meal always ends with the serving of Christmas cake.
FYI: The Fourth Avenue United Methodist Church Community Christmas Dinner will be served from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. on Sunday, December 15, in the church basement at 219 Fourth Avenue Northwest, Faribault. Take-out meals will be available between 10:15 a.m. – 10:45 a.m.
Free will offerings are accepted with those donations going back to the community.
To read my post about last year’s dinner, click here.
© Copyright 2013 Audrey Kletscher Helbling
Minnesota Prairie Roots 
Of course I loved the John Wesley quote that you chose to start your post with. 🙂 The heaping plates of food look delightful and yes–there is nothing quite like a community meal where everyone can come together. What a blessing.
I pulled the John Wesley quote right from the Fourth Avenue United Methodist Church website. I think you fulfill that quote quite well through your kind, caring and generous ways, my dear friend.
You are too kind. John Wesley has some amazing quotes, that is for sure. Like the one on all of my outgoing emails.
Now I need to check one of your emails.
Hi Audrey! I’m not a churchgoer, but do cherish the many ways people come together as a community. This is a lovely example of why communities of all sorts are important and well worth our time and energy. Enjoy your dinner this weekend.!
Well said, Kathleen. Community becomes even more important when family does not live in town.
Such a great example of a community that serves. Christmas time can also be a time of loneliness and despair for some folks, these kind of things are what everyone needs, good old home-town fellowship! It doesnt look like there is any skimping in the food department, the cake looks scrumptious and on a side note I love the church basement flooring!!!
Yes, it’s a plateful of food, Jackie, and such good fellowship.
Five points for noticing that floor. Isn’t it great? So church basement.
A totally yummy post and I couldn’t agree more. Church/community meals bring people together in such a relaxed and open way. There are still a few traditions of that type around here but not as many as when we first moved here. Back then church and community dinners and barn dances were almost every weekend! Now, everyone seems so busy that they hardly find the time to attend much less help put it on!!!!!! Great post!!!
Faribault has an annual Thanksgiving Day dinner, too, which has been going on for decades. I’ve never attended as I always either host or have a place to go.
Barn dances. What fun.
Yes, they were. Even a “live” band back then. Cowboy boots kicking up the dust, good food and fantastic visiting!!!! Sigh…….I miss ’em!
Our dear friends Deb and John have held two barns dances in recent years with live bands. Those were the first barn dances I’ve attended and we had a great time with all of the items you mentioned included.
Definitely, the events wonderful memories are made of!!!!!!
Oh, yes. More memories made today at this Christmas dinner with a photo essay forthcoming.
yay!
What a lovely event and it’s great that it’s being put on by so many dedicated volunteers. We have a get-together at our church tomorrow morning and I’m really looking forward to it. I love how Christmas brings communities together xx
Enjoy your church gathering today, Charlie. I, too, love how these church-based events bring people and communities together.
Such a great thing that the church provides. Such things are great for kids to participate in/ help out with – so they can see how blessed they are.
I agree.
That’s a great quote by John Wesley. The photos of the dinner look yummy, especially the Jello Cake. I think I’ll have to make a cake soon.
I liked that quote, too. I’m working on a photo essay right now from today’s Community Christmas Dinner in Faribault.