BROOKINGS First Lutheran Church in Brookings will again host a Christmas Day gathering that has an annual tradition: A place for people to go if they are alone or they dont have money for Christmas Dinner, come on down, is the invitation from congregant Paul Johnson on behalf of his church and its members. Were going to be serving Christmas dinner in the Activity Room from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Last year we served close to 400 people.
Meals can also be delivered to shut-ins reserved in advance by calling 605-692-6251.
Add to those coming to dinner and those shut-ins having their meals delivered a group of public servants whose duties demand their around-the-clock presence on days when others are at home or at other places celebrating holidays.
We provide a meal to all of the police, sheriff, EMTs, highway patrol, anybody in law enforcement thats on duty. That includes the Brookings County Sheriffs Office, Brookings Police Department and University Police Department.
You dont have to provide a thing, Johnson said, of what is best described as a traditional Christmas dinner. We provide for whoever needs a meal. There is no cost, but he did note that any freewill offerings would be appreciated.
Johnson has been part of this reaching out into the community for more than 15 years. Looking back on the annual tradition, he said: Some older people would have sat home, probably had a can of soup. Not on this day.
Instead they will enjoy a beautiful meal served in family-like settings at tables of eight people. They can visit and laugh and enjoy. We do turkey, ham, mashed potatoes, gravy, dressing, corn.
Just seeing the people keeps me doing it every year, Johnson said. When it started, it was just within the church; and weve been slowly getting bigger and expanding. And he thanks The Brookings Register for a story that has made the annual feast much more popular. It was written in December 2022 by former Register reporter Alison Simon.
You did a story about it last year, we went up about 100 last year, after that story, Johnson. This year were planning for over 400. Attendance prior to that never went above 300. And not surprisingly COVID took its toll: In 2020, we just brought meals to emergency services and we delivered to houses of shut-ins, did things like that.
To ensure the diners are well fed, Johnson has put together a bill of fare that includes 14 turkeys and 5 big hams helping make up the main course: Were talking about 200 pounds of meat, he explained. Youre going to get a portion, youre going to be full. Enjoy yourself.
Johnson noted that people beyond the members of the First Lutheran congregation pitch in to make it all happen: Were starting to get more community buy-in, too, helping out with us. Thrivent Financial helps out; Hy-Vee provides all the tea rolls. Perkins helps out with pies.
Volunteers are always needed and welcome. For additional information and to sign up, call First Lutheran at 605-692-6251. The church is located at 337th 8th St. in Brookings.
Paul Johnson worked for South Dakota State University Extension for about 40 years. He fully retired this past June.
Contact John Kubal at [email protected].
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