Encouraging people to come to a Community Christmas Dinner at Ruhl's Church, volunteer Kris Gray said the festivities will include great food and an opportunity to join in Christmas caroling after the meal.

"Bring your friends and family!" she said. "It is a delicious free meal and is open to all."

The meal will take place on Saturday, Dec. 13, at 6 p.m. at Ruhl's Church, 4810 Elizabethtown Road, Manheim.

The menu will feature baked ham, baked potatoes, green beans, rolls and dessert.

Ruhl's Church began hosting the event 10 years ago.

"We wanted to include people who were not able to join us for Christmas Eve service, so in 2015, we started a free sit-down ham dinner," Gray shared. "We continued hosting the event for several years until the pandemic hit and we changed to a drive-through event."

The drive-through meal was very well received. It also included a "Drive to Bethlehem," featuring scenes from the Christmas story. It continued in that fashion through 2023, but the church members realized they missed the connection they experienced with a sit-down meal.

"Last year, we decided to host a more personal dine-in event so we could enjoy some sweet fellowship with members of our community," she explained. "Everyone who attended said they enjoyed the event because it gave them a chance to slow down and enjoy a great meal with friends."

The event is much more than a meal for the church members, she said.

"Our congregation wants to extend hospitality to our community as we share the joy of the Christmas season," Gray explained. "We want people to know the real meaning of Christmas and how it can bring lasting joy and hope in this troubled world."

Along with the Christmas meal, Ruhl's Church members invite the community to attend a Christmas Eve service. The candlelight service will be held at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 24.

Ruhl's Church is handicapped-accessible, and parking is available in a large lot. Reservations are required to attend the Christmas dinner and must be made by Sunday, Dec. 7. To make a reservation, call 717-665-4499 and leave a message if there is no answer.