CHESTERTOWN — The annual Feast of Love meal on Christmas Day will be held at what is now known as Christ First United Methodist Church, formerly Christ United Methodist Church, located at High and Mill streets in downtown Chesterrtown.
Serving will begin at 1 p.m.; use the Mill Street entrance.
According to a news release, the invitation is for “any and all who wish to feel the warmth and fellowship of the festive season.”
There is no cost.
[In addition to the annual holiday serving, the church recently announced the return of the Community Table, a monthly dinner as an ongoing outreach for anyone who is in need of a hot meal, warm company and the spirit of fellowship.]
Yvonne Arrowood is credited with originating the Feast of Love in 1984.
For many years, Janet Sigler spearheaded the event.
Now, Yvonne’s son Bill Arrowood has picked up the mantle.
“When my mom started ‘The Dinner,’ as we have come to refer to it in our house, back in the 80s, I was just a kid, so this is just what Christmas has always been for me, spending the holiday at the church with a whole room full of strangers who would become friends,” Bill Arrowood said in the news release.
He added, “Seeing the same folks year after year come together, sharing a few hours with a simple meal, is an enormous blessing and one of the things that has kept me grounded, both to Chestertown, and in my whole life. It taught me that we all can find a way to serve wherever you can, even if just a little, even if for a day.”
The bountiful holiday spread will include roast turkey [cooked every year by Jeff Carroll at the Fish Whistle at the Granary], vegetables with all the trimmings, and a variety of pies and desserts provided by Lapp’s Family Bakery — plus a birthday cake to make the special celebration complete.
Arrowood said the only charge for the fine fare is to come prepared to share a festive spirit with friends old and new.
“Singing and cheer abound,” he said, “as is a genuine opportunity to witness that Chestertown isn’t merely a small town, but actually one very large family.”
Reservations are not required, but for planning purposes — especially for families and large groups — it’s advised that you leave a message at 410-778-0911. Call also if you know of anyone who needs to be personally invited or may require transportation.
There is only one seating; serving has typically been completed by 2:30 p.m.
For those who are interested in volunteering: call Bill Arrowood at 215-431-6671; email feastoflovedinner@gmail.com; or
sign up at www.perfectpotluck.com, and sign in with the hostname “arrowood” and log in “1225.”
