Darlene Love once sang, "Nobody ought to be alone on Christmas," and the members of Cross Roads Church in Mount Joy take that message to heart.

The public is invited to a free meal on Christmas Day, Monday, Dec. 25, at the church, 800 Donegal Springs Road. Food will be available for dine-in or takeout from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

"This is what Christmas is all about," said Clare Funck, who is helping to organize the event. "There are so many people who are alone at Christmas, and they don't have anywhere to go. People don't have to be a part of the church to come. They're welcome to sit, have fellowship and enjoy each other's company. It's amazing how many people stay and talk and share stories with each other."

The meal will include turkey, gourmet potatoes, stuffing, green beans, cranberry sauce, rolls, gravy and "desserts galore," Funck said.

"It's worth it to come for the fellowship, but it's also so worth it to come for the food, because it's delicious," she stated. "That's a plus."

Along with preparing food, church members work as greeters and servers during the meal.

"People can come in, sit down, and we will bring them food, and if they want seconds, they just have to ask for more," Funck said. "It's like they're eating at fancy restaurant. Last year, we served about 450 meals. We're busy."

The church has offered the meal for more than 25 years, and it's a way for the congregation to connect with neighbors, said Kendric Bert, who is also helping to organize the event. "It's a way for us to reach out as a church and give back," he remarked. "We do things throughout the year for the community, like donate to the food bank, but that's not very visible. This is a visible way to support our community."

There is no charge for the meal, but people are welcome to bring monetary or food donations for the Mount Joy Food Bank, Bert said.

Funck emphasized that the church is welcoming and open to anyone who comes for the meal, noting, "I've been doing the Christmas meal for about 21 years. Being here for so many years, I've seen people who were nervous or worried about coming in, but then they enjoy the fellowship with people who are in the same situation. There are so many people here to share with and talk to."

Bert agreed, adding, "If someone doesn't feel comfortable staying, they can get takeout, but if they do want to stay, we have a place for them."

Reservations are requested for the meal and may be made by calling the church office at 717-653-1616 or registering online at https://crossroadsbic.com/about/christmas-2023. Walk-ins will also be welcome.