Aberdeen, SD- The Aberdeen First UMC gym echoed with the din of conversation as 350 guests enjoyed a Christmas feast. The meal was the brainchild of many members of the congregation. When Executive Minister Valerie Reinhiller presented the idea, several parishioners said they had been thinking about and praying for such a meal for several years, and the project received wholehearted support and excitement.

Christmas is a time to gather with family and friends to celebrate our Saviors birth and feast on delicious food. However, even as we celebrate, many members of our communities do not have food for a feast or a family to celebrate with. In the bustle of the holiday, these individuals are often overlooked, but this year Aberdeen First UMC hosted the first annual Christmas dinner to serve the greater Aberdeen community.

             Every volunteer overflowed with excitement. Members of the congregation spent the morning cooking ham, scalloped potatoes and vegetables. Volunteers bustled between tables, filling cups of coffee and bearing platters of freshly baked goodies. In addition to the meals served at the church, volunteers delivered dozens of meals to members of the community who could not leave their homes.

Entire families - from infants in child carriers, to grandparents - spent their Christmas morning serving their community. Cousins Phoebe Ottenbacher, age 7, and Stella Nelson, age 9, excitedly shared their reasons for volunteering. Phoebe said, “Its pretty fun, and I like helping people.” Stella added, “I like it because some people who don’t get [Christmas dinner] get to have it.”

Every guest who came though the doors was appreciative for the meal and fellowship, and left the event with a smile. Becky Holder shared one woman’s story. When the woman came to the church, she told Becky “I’m not very good. I needed fellowship today and fellowship with other believers.” When Becky later checked on the woman, she was enjoying good fellowship.

Aberdeen First UMC’s Christmas Dinner was an overwhelming success. “It was an exciting Christmas day for all involved. It met a need for people without a warm meal, people who needed fellowship, and people who needed to know they are loved on Christmas,” said Reinhiller. “I see it continuing and becoming an annual event. I see it growing.”

Story Submitted by Jayne Reinhiller, Aberdeen First UMC

Photos Submitted by Anne Reinhiller, Aberdeen First UMC