3 Ways A Church Serving Thanksgiving Dinner Fulfills Hunger

Have you considered starting a Thanksgiving ministry at your church? If not, you should! It’s an incredible opportunity to serve your community, invite new people through your doors, and involve your congregation in ministry.

How can a church serving Thanksgiving dinner make the most impact?

Provide dinner for free. By not charging admittance, you’ll extend your reach. Families who can’t afford a Thanksgiving dinner, people who live too far from family, or those without a home can come and celebrate the holiday together.

Invite those in need. Make sure to advertise your outreach as one for those who have nowhere else to go or can’t afford to make Thanksgiving dinner. You want to make sure you have enough food and space to accommodate everyone who attends.

Ask members to cook and serve. By asking your congregation to run the event, you’ll save on costs. The church could provide the turkey, and you could ask members to cook and bring side dishes–like a potluck. Create a sign-up sheet for members so you know you’ll have enough food and helping hands for the event.

What good does a church serving Thanksgiving dinner really do?

1. It fulfills physical hunger

Of course, those who attend your church for Thanksgiving dinner will get physically fed. Offering a quality meal for free is an excellent outreach–it gets people through your doors and acquainted with your church ministry.

2. It fulfills hunger to belong

Many people struggle through hard times or go without family to celebrate with during Thanksgiving. By your church serving Thanksgiving dinner, you provide a place for the lonely to belong. Your ministry can kindle joy and thanksgiving to a lonely soul.

3. It fulfills hunger to serve

As Christians, we’re called to be faithful servants of Christ. This call involves serving the lost and those in the Body. By starting a Thanksgiving ministry, you can give your congregation members the opportunity to help those in the community outside your church.

Bible Verses About Serving Others

Matthew 25:35-37, 40

For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’ … The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’ 

Romans 12:16

Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.  

Mark 10:43-45

‘Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.’

~ How will your church serve the community this Thanksgiving? ~