Town Pulls Off A
During my first 6 years of ministry in Clear Lake (WA), it was the
tradition at Thanksgiving for the two churches in town to have an
annual Community Thanksgiving Dinner. It was an evening of terrific
food and pleasant conversations followed by a nice program.
But it wasn’t a “community” Thanksgiving dinner, for not one person outside of the two churches would come.
This changed! When plans were beginning for the 2006 Community Thanksgiving dinner, there was a willingness to offer a true community
dinner. A group of leaders from our community were invited to join the
two churches in offering a meal. After great conversations and
creative brainstorming a format was chosen. The Clear Lake community
would have its first Progressive Community Thanksgiving Meal.
The
Historical Association would host the appetizers in their building.
Community Covenant Church would host the main course and Clear Lake
Baptist Church would host the dessert at the Elementary School with a
program by the local high school jazz choir following. The Fire
Department agreed to have a fire truck at each of the locations to help
with traffic and with people walking between each building.
On
the night of the meal our prayers were answered. Many people came.
In-fact 350 or around 20% of the whole community joined in this
celebration! Young, old, the well known and the forgotten, all came
together for a Thanksgiving meal. It was a grand night.
This time – it was a community meal.
Now
months later plans are underway for the next Thanksgiving. Also, as a
result, other community matters are being pursued as well. More people
have joined in providing leadership and new ideas and events are taking
shape. For example, the Clear Lake Connection Committee is seeking to
have a free trash day; to offer free or reduced swimming at our local
beach this summer; and to have a community safety meeting with the
Sheriff and more.
The committee is gaining the courage to care for our small town. To God be the Glory!
TH
