Christmas is a time of joy, but for some people, it can be lonely. That's where Cross Roads Church comes in.

For the 24th year, the church, located at 800 Donegal Springs Road, Mount Joy, will be serving a free Christmas meal. The meal will be offered for either takeout or sit-down service on Saturday, Dec. 25, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

"I know from experience what it's like to not have anyone to spend Christmas with," said Clare Funck, one of the organizers of the meal. "My family lives away from here, and my first Christmas here, I was alone. I love this dinner because it gives people an opportunity for fellowship, a chance to talk to other people and a chance to meet new friends."

The meal will include turkey, gourmet potatoes, green beans, stuffing, cranberry sauce and a selection of desserts. As Funck noted, it takes a team of volunteers to make the day a success.

"We served about 400 people two years ago," she said, noting that even with only offering a pickup option last year due to the pandemic, the church still gave away about 300 meals. Church members begin prepping for the meal weeks before Christmas and set up the night before. "Our students participate as well," Funck said. "They serve the meal."

The idea for the Christmas meal came from Joe McFarland, who is still one of the event coordinators.

"It was something that was on my heart to do," he recalled. "When I first thought of this, about 25 years ago, there were a lot of places that offered free Thanksgiving meals, but really nobody was doing free Christmas meals. To me, that's the most important day of the year. It's the birth of Christ. I wanted people to have companionship and know someone is thinking about them on Christmas."

Funck said that the meal draws new and repeat visitors each year and that it's open to anyone. "You don't have to belong to this church to come," she stated. "This meal is what Christmas is all about. It's about being together. You might not be with your immediate family, but you're still considered a member of the family of Christ."

McFarland encouraged anyone to come out for the meal, noting that reservations are requested, but not required. "We always have plenty of food," he said. "Come for a great time with others, enjoy delicious food and have some nice conversations."

The meal is free, but donations of nonperishable items will be accepted at the door for the Mount Joy Food Bank. Reservations may be made by visiting the church website, https://crossroadsbic.com, and clicking on "Christmas Meal 2021" or by calling the church office at 717-653-1616.