A special Christmas Day event that was started by several West Liberty area churches a number of years ago as an outreach to those who might be alone at Christmas — especially as a ministry to single parents, elderly individuals and those without family in the area — is continuing this year on Dec. 25, despite some challenges faced along the way as a result of the pandemic.
Eleven churches are collaborating to present the Christmas Day Free Meal that is served from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday in front of the Liberty Gathering Place, 111 N. Detroit St., West Liberty.
Meals also are available for delivery in Logan or Champaign counties by calling (937) 465-4749 by Thursday, Dec. 24.
The Liberty Gathering Place has very generously donated their large kitchen space for the church members to prepare the meals, organizers related.
Committee members Monte Hartzler and Larry Reed said after offering this event over the years, the meal preparation runs very smoothly and in organized fashion. Recently, upwards of 500 meals have been served, including 482 meals served last year; 529 meals served in 2018; 427 in 2017; and 506 in 2016.
A search of the Examiner archives shows the West Liberty Christmas Day meal stretching back about 13 years, likely originating in 2007.
“It started out with about five churches that participated and then has really grown from there,:” said Hartzler, who attends the McKees Creek Chapel. “We believe that no one should be alone on Christmas Day and it’s so important for those who might feel that way to know we care for them.”
“It shows that we as a church can pull together and there is unity in the churches,” said Reed, who attends the West Liberty United Presbyterian Church. “We also offer other help to those in need throughout the year, such as assistance with medications and food.”
The local residents related that it was a struggle this year to determine how to host the dinner safely, and also just finding the space to accomodate the meal preparations and social distancing requirements during the health crisis.
It was determined that they would need to forgo the usual in-person dining that is so enjoyed by all in attendance. As noted in a 2014 Examiner article about the meal, festive piano music played and lively conversations were part of the welcoming atmosphere at the host church.
Although those elements will be different this year, the personal outreach and heart of the event remains the same.
“Even though we can’t all congregate in person, people will know we are thinking of them when they pick up their meals,” Hartzler said. “We want to help bless our community and we will gather in-person again for the meal again when it is safe to do so.”
“It has been so fun over the years getting to meet different people at the meals and sharing the day with them,” Reed said.
Reed and Hartzler said it takes a large crew to prepare the meals and carry out the day’s events, including 50 volunteers in previous years who have delivered the Christmas feast. Deliveries in the past have included to retirement homes and assisted living facilities (which this year will not be happening for safety reasons) and also to first responders working on Christmas Day.
The churches involved in the collaborative effort include: Oak Grove Mennonite Church, South Union Mennonite Church, Bethel Mennonite Church, McKees Creek Chapel, West Liberty United Methodist Church, United Church of Christ in West Liberty, West Liberty United Presbyterian Church, Bellefontaine Grace Church, Monroe Community Church in Pickrelltown, Quest Community Church of West Liberty and Grace Chapel Church of West Liberty.