The members of Ruhl's Church believe food and fellowship go hand in hand with their mission of spreading God's love. With that in mind, the church will host a free dine-in Christmas dinner on Saturday, Dec. 14, at 6 p.m. The dinner will be held at the church, 4810 Elizabethtown Road, Manheim.

The meal will be served buffet-style and will feature baked ham, baked potatoes, green beans, rolls and dessert. During the dinner, guests will be invited to sing along to some traditional Christmas carols.

"Years ago, Ruhl's Church held a Christmas Eve Eve celebration on Dec. 23 and served a free sit-down ham dinner," said church member Kris Gray. "We continued the tradition for a few years until the pandemic changed the venue to a drive-through meal in 2020 along with the 'Drive to Bethlehem' with scenes from the real Christmas story."

That event was very well received over the past few years, she said, adding, "Because of the overwhelming positive responses from those attending the event, we continued to hold it yearly through Christmas 2023."

Still, the church members missed the opportunity a sit-down meal provided for socializing and community.

"We wanted to welcome people to return inside the church and enjoy some sweet fellowship over a delicious meal," Gray shared. "With all the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, it is a blessing to be able to relax over a meal with friends."

She also extended an invitation to the community to attend the church's traditional Christmas Eve candlelight service at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 24.

"We hope you can join us as we celebrate the true reason for the Christmas season - our Savior's birth," she said.

Ruhl's Church is handicapped-accessible, and parking is available in a large lot.

The ham dinner is free, but reservations are required by Wednesday, Dec. 11. To make a reservation, call 717-665-4499.