Thanksgiving dinner at South China Community Church tops last year

Servers were, from left to right, Emily Schroeder, Joan Ferrone and David Preston. (photo by Katharyn Zwicker)

by Jayne Winters

The South China Community Church (SCCC) served about 65 people at its second Community Thanksgiving Dinner on Thursday, November 27. While SCCC is known for its monthly Blessed Breakfasts and various dinner and soup fundraisers throughout the year, this holiday meal is proving to be just as successful in bringing people together. This year’s attendance was an increase of ten people; our goal for 2026’s dinner is 75!

Dining room set-up and food preparations began Wednesday morning; kitchen workers returned early Thursday to finish cooking, carving, setting tables, slicing pies, etc. Following Pastor Paul Harwath’s opening prayer, folks thoroughly enjoyed their meal. The menu included turkey, ham, stuffing, gravy, mashed potato, squash, pearl onions, string bean and corn casseroles, and other veggies, as well as cranberry sauces, homemade pies and beverages. In addition to the wonderful cooks, there were food and beverage servers, clean-up crews, and of course, dishwashers!

Many thanks to everyone who helped make this dinner such a success, especially Debbie Stowe, who enthusiastically took the lead again on this event. Donations of food and gift certificates came from Hannaford, Tobey’s, Shaw’s, Walmart, Sam’s Club, China Lake Provisions, Lisa’s Restaurant, Hussey’s, Susie’s Bakery, Lakeview Lumber and countless church and community members. There is no charge for the meal, but a free will offering totaled $550! These funds will be used to help purchase gifts for four families SCCC is sponsoring this Christmas and/or provide assistance for folks who need help with CMP or oil bills this winter – thank you so much for your generosity!

SCCC’s second Thanksgiving dinner went very well and the church plans to do it again next year. We had a wonderful mix of diners, from those who were alone, away from family or simply didn’t have the energy or means to make dinner for their small families. Leftovers were taken to the China Food Pantry. We all left with full hearts and bellies, and much to be thankful for.