Members of St. Mark's United Methodist Church in Mount Joy believe that it is important to reach out and serve the people in their community, said parishioner Janet Lehman.

"One way that St. Mark's family meets the needs of people in their community is through their food ministry," she explained.

St. Mark's will offer a free Thanksgiving Day dinner on Thursday, Nov. 23, with curbside pickup between 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. at The Gathering Place, 6 Pine St., Mount Joy. Delivery will be available to people who are sick and who are homebound.

"St. Mark's began serving a free Thanksgiving Day dinner in 2005," Lehman said, noting that about 70 people came for the meal the first year. "Each year more individuals and families are enjoying (the meal). In 2022, almost 700 people enjoyed St. Mark's Thanksgiving Day dinner."

The meal will include turkey breast over stuffing, gravy, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, a vegetable, cranberry sauce, applesauce, rolls and butter and a dessert.

Last year, about 100 people from Mount Joy and surrounding communities worked together to prepare, cook and serve the Thanksgiving dinner, Lehman recalled. "Many volunteers are again needed to help with this community outreach dinner," she said. "Volunteers are needed to help peel potatoes, make the stuffing, set up tables and chairs, etc. on Wednesday evening, Nov. 22, at 6 p.m. at The Gathering Place." Volunteers are needed Thanksgiving Day at The Gathering Place to cook and serve the meal, wash dishes and clean up following the meal, as well as deliver meals. Volunteers are also needed to donate cakes and pies for the dinner.

The free community Thanksgiving Day dinner is just one way in which St. Mark's reaches out to the people of Mount Joy and surrounding areas with its food ministry, Lehman noted. The church members also serve a free community dinner monthly, usually on the third Sunday of the month. These meals are served curbside with pickup at the church, 27 E. Main St., Mount Joy, from 4 to 5 p.m.

To make reservations for the Thanksgiving Day dinner, call the church at 717-653-5493, extension 270. Callers should give their name and phone number and the number of meals they would like. People who need meals to be delivered should also provide their address. The deadline for reservations is noon on Monday, Nov. 20.

Those who would like to volunteer to donate a dessert, help with the meal or deliver meals should call Lehman at 717-653-4189 by Friday, Nov. 17.

For more information about St. Mark's church or its food ministry, call the church office at 717-653-5493.