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 the intersection of High and Mill streets.
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.”
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 FishWhistle 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, sign in with the hostname “arrowood” and log in “1225”.
One Response
The organizers of the Feast of Love Christmas Dinner would like to thank all those who helped to make our Christmas bright, by continuing our annual holiday tradition this year. Celebrating our 40th year of offering folks a chance to gather and spread the spirit of the season with our friends and neighbors is truly ‘what Christmas is all about, Charlie Brown’.
With special thanks to Pastor Amy Yarnall, and the good folks of Christ First United Methodist Church for hosting us, Lapp Family Bakery for donating pies, bread, and desserts, Jeff Carrol and his team at the FishWhistle at the Granary, for preparing over a dozen turkeys, Bill Drazga from MusicLife, for filling the fellowship hall with song, and to the nearly 30 volunteers who took time from their own families to cook, serve, sing and share with our community. Over 60 people came to the meal, and as many to-go plates went out to those who were at home, ensuring that all those who came to the Feast were never left wanting, for food or festive cheer.
Though my mom is no longer with us in body, (passing away just days before), she was certainly there in the spirit of joy and wonder that sharing this moment brings each year, it is our honor and privilege to keep this holiday tradition alive and share it with all of you.
With hopes of a better year to come and thanks for all,
Bill Arrowood
(Yvonne’s Son)