The Thanksgiving lunch is open to the community as one of Grace-Trinity’s neighborhood outreach missions. It is wonderful embodiment of Christ inviting everyone to the table without any distinction and social barriers. This tradition started in 1996 when the preceding congregation requested Grace-Trinity UCC to continue their mission to the community since they could not continue the ministry due to lack of resources. Grace-Trinity strived through the first stages with an open invitation to the community, sharing a meal along with family and friends. In the course of preparing ourselves each year for this event, we learned how to cook a traditional Thanksgiving meal under the guidance of Betsy Soans and Sumithra Stephen and have learned to carry this tradition to culinary perfection. This ministry is led and supported by various members of the congregation including daycare volunteers and the friends of Grace.
Our enthusiastic volunteers serve faithfully by planning, shopping, cooking and carving the turkeys, serving, singing and clean- up. This event is our worship and thanks to God by sharing a meal and conversing with the guests who arrive at the table. Over the years we see many familiar faces and passersby who join us for this meal and we look forward to meeting them again. This event is a part of our Thanksgiving tradition and serving our guests is a cherished blessing. May this ministry be a blessing to the church as we continue to honor the community around us.