(BY ALEX DOTY, adoty@grandhaventribune.com) - The Thanksgiving holiday provides residents a time to give thanks and show their appreciation for one another, and several local churches are hoping to give people more reason to give thanks next week during their community outreach meals.
Christ Community Church in Spring Lake, Hope Reformed Church in Grand Haven Township and True Community Christian Church in Ferrysburg are serving every corner of the Tri-Cities this holiday, making sure everyone gets a Thanksgiving meal on Thursday.
"People need more food, so we're going to do that," said Pastor Tim Taylor of Hope Reformed Church.
Taylor's church will be offering food for people who have a need for a hot meal and warm fellowship on Thanksgiving Day. Their event takes place from 1-3 p.m. at the church, 14932 Mercury Drive.
Whether the economy plays a larger role in how many people attend the event is unknown, however.
"You know, I think it could and should (be more attended due to the economy), but it doesn't mean that it will," Taylor said.
Organizers from other church Thanksgiving dinners shared similar sentiments in not knowing just how much the bad economy will impact the turnout for their events.
"There is always a need," said Dan Steigenga, the chef for the Thanksgiving Day feast at Christ Community Church.
Steigenga has been cooking for the event for many years and said there are typically 700 people who either attend or order carry out meals. The annual event is organized by several area churches that come together at the Spring Lake church, 225 E. Savidge St.
"Knock on wood, we've never run out of food," Steigenga said.
Some say the economic downturn will cause people to stay closer to home this holiday season. Mike Harrison, pastor of True Community Christian Church, said that provides an "opportunity to bring people together."
True Community Christian Church will be hosting a Thanksgiving Day dinner at Ferrysburg Elementary School, 17290 Roosevelt Road, from 2-4 p.m. The event is a first for Taylor's recently established church.
"We're already making plans for next year," he said, adding they are taking notes on how other churches handle their Thanksgiving celebrations.
While those involved in the church events await Thanksgiving Day to see how many people show up, and if the poor economy brings more people to the door, one thing is for certain - the Thanksgiving Day events provide a way for residents to build relationships.
"You're usually not sitting around, sitting by yourself," Taylor said, adding these events can provide those who are widows and widowers a place to have a community meal.
The Rev. Dan Anderson of Spring Lake Presbyterian Church said the events are similar to the very first Thanksgiving, where two different cultures sat down and ate together.
"When you have food in your hand or in your mouth, it puts everyone in the same place," he said.
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