Robert Thomas
The weather outside may have been unseasonably cold, but the mood was anything but frigid at St Andrews United Church on Christmas Day. For the 29th year running, St. Andrews featured its free community Christmas dinner.
For St Andrew's United Church, the reason they offer the meal is a spiritual one; and part of their mission to serve the community says Reverend Jim Tenford, the minister at St Andrews.
Carving turkeys at St. Andrews.
"The idea is that Christmas is hard on people when they're alone" said Reverend Jim Tenford, adding "it's a place for people to come and have dinner with others. It's for people who can't afford it and a place for others who are alone to come for a dinner."
The idea has its origins based upon Christmas itself, Rev. Tenford said.
"This is at the core of what the Christmas message is about. To provide food for the hungry and companionship for the lonely, this is what it is about. It is part of the Church's mission."
You did not have to be a member of the church be fed. You didnt even need to be religious. "It's open to everybody and always free," Rev. Tenford said.
Rev. Tenford said the meal goes back further than the formation of the United Church. "It goes back to the Christian tradition...the practice of hospitality toward others. It is what we try to practice (with these dinners)," he said.
The annual dinner is usually attended by about 90 - 120 residents. Rev. Tenford said there is often a mix of attendees. Some are church members, some are long time attendees and others came for the first time; young families and elderly couples were also represented. Many of the older couples are seniors who don't have children or grandchildren and don't want to spend Christmas alone as a couple, but want to share it with others, Rev. Tenford said.
Asked if tougher economic times might affect attendance, Rev. Tenford said that over the five years he has been minister at St. Andrews, it is more about fellowship and being together, than simple economics. Poor weather is generally more of detriment to attendance than economics.
Preparation for the meal is no small feat, It took 15 volunteers to set up and prepare for the Christmas feast. A co-ordinator was appointed in October and preparation began at the start of December. The feast consisted of a traditional Christmas dinner of turkey, dressing, mashed potatoes, stuffing, gravy and various salads.
Roasting the 100 pounds of turkey started early Sunday morning.
Although she has volunteered five times, this was Dawn-Nica Mathieson's first year as a co-ordinator. "It was awesome," Mathieson said, "we had so many great volunteers; it makes the work extra easy."
I was worried half of the people wouldn't come because of the cold and the wind chill but they still came," Mathieson said.
The dinner is fully paid for by St Andrews, with donations accepted. Rev. Tenford said many in the congregation, anonymous donors, attendees as well as the Moose Jaw Co-op help provide the meal. CHAB 800 helped spread the word in the community about the event.
Rev Tenford spoke highly of Bobby's Place, who also provides an annual meal. "It's really great what they do at their own expense to feed people at Christmas."
St Andrew's also puts on a free community meal in October.