by Cori Hilsgen
news@thenewsleaders.com
If you want to visit with other St. Joseph residents over a holiday meal, plan to attend the December community meal slated from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 20 at Resurrection Lutheran Church.
Pastor Linda Lagergren, who has been at RLC for eight years, said they are still determining the menu, but it will be a holiday-themed meal. This is the third year they have hosted the meal, which usually serves anywhere from 75-100 people.
“It’s open to everyone and there is no cost,” Lagergren said. “We just want everyone to come.”
Lagergren said volunteers will also be delivering meals to people who are unable to leave their homes. She said last year they delivered about 125 meals. Volunteer drivers from RLC and the SonRise Lutheran Church in Avon will do the deliveries.
St. Joseph Catholic Church volunteer Mary Plafcan said they need more volunteer drivers so the meals can be delivered during the noon hour, and also so volunteers are able to stay and visit a short while with the residents. They would like to have enough volunteers so each driver can deliver just two or three meals.
“The reason we are hosting the community meal is to serve the needs of the community, especially the shut-ins, and also to be in fellowship with our neighbors,” Lagergren said.
All area residents are welcome to attend the meals, which are each a social gathering for the city and surrounding area. The events offer attendees a chance to mingle and get better acquainted with other residents and to catch up on local news.
The November Thanksgiving meal was held in the Catholic church’s Heritage Hall parish center.
Volunteers served turkey, dressing, mashed potatoes, gravy, corn, cranberries, cookies and pumpkin dessert to about 185 people.
The monthly meals are coordinated by volunteers from RLC, St. Joseph Catholic Church, Gateway Church, Joe Town Table, Central Minnesota Catholic Worker, Sisters of the Order of St. Benedict, SonRise Lutheran Church and others. Donations from area organizations such as the St. Joseph Jaycees, Kay’s Kitchen and many other businesses help fund the meals.
To volunteer or for more information, contact Angela Haynes, RLC committee chairperson, at 320-845-7789 or Lagergren at 320-363-4232.