Hundreds served through First Christian Church’s annual pre-Thanksgiving dinner
NEW PHILADELPHIA (WJER) (Nov. 22, 2023) – The First Christian Church has again started the Thanksgiving holiday feasting early for the valley.
The church had its annual free Thanksgiving dinner distribution by delivery and curbside pick-up today.
Lead Pastor Jamie Blickensderfer says they were relying on about 75 volunteers in all. He says it’s about serving each other.
Dozens of volunteers box meals for the First Christian Church’s annual Thanksgiving Dinner
“I think it’s what we’re called to do as followers of Jesus,” said Blickensderfer.
One of those volunteers, Annie Tipton of New Philadelphia, was there slicing pies and putting them in take-out containers. She has been involved with the dinner for about 20 years now.
For her, it’s become a nice way to get to know other church members.
“We’re all here just to have a good time and hopefully make somebody’s Thanksgiving just a little bit more blessed,” said Tipton.
Another volunteer, Jimmy Seldenright of New Philadelphia, says he and his wife cooked four turkeys and some pies for the occasion. Their kids were also involved.
“It’s kind of the message that’s preached to us on Sundays and it’s a good way to show a little bit of love back to our community,” Seldenright said.
Blickensderfer says they were expecting to serve more than 700 meals, and 26 turkeys in all, during today’s event.
Some vehicles started lining up nearly 2 hours early for Wednesday’s meal distribution.