"This is all about a good meal and good fellowship," said event committee member Clare Funck, describing the free community Christmas meal at Cross Roads Church. The meal will be served on Sunday, Dec. 25, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the church, located at 800 Donegal Springs Road, Mount Joy. Options will be available for dine-in and takeout.

This is the 25th year the church has offered the meal, which began not only to provide sustenance at Christmas, but also to provide companionship. "When I talk to people who come to this dinner, a lot of people have just lost a spouse, and the holidays are hard," Funck stated. "Some have no family in the area and nobody to spend Christmas with. That's what this season is all about - community, fellowship and being there for people."

The meal will include turkey, gourmet potatoes, stuffing, green beans and desserts. Everything is made and donated by the congregation, said Kendric Bert, chair of the committee. "It takes a lot of people to make this happen," he remarked. "This church is very community oriented." Along with making and preparing food, church members work as servers and greeters during the meal.

"We have a sign by the entrance for people to come in, and we decorate the gym for the meal," said Funck, noting that holiday music is also played during the meal. In the past, about 400 people have attended the dinner.

The church members are active year-round in community projects, including holding a harvest fest in the fall, Bert said. "This meal is an extension of our mission to serve the community," he noted. "Our leadership promotes community involvement."

Although the meal is free, donations of nonperishable items will be accepted at the door for the Mount Joy Food Bank. Reservations are requested for the meal, but are not required, and walk-ins are welcome. For more information or to register, visit https://crossroadsbic.com/christmas-meal-2022 or call the church office at 717-653-1616.