Community Thanksgiving dinner with a heart at Old Bridge United Methodist Church

It was a brisk, cold day outside this past Thanksgiving, but hearts were warm at Old Bridge United Methodist Church. 

For the past 23 years this church has welcomed the community to come in and sit a spell and enjoy a nice holiday meal.

Frank Berndsend and his wife Rebecca chaired the event this year, welcoming people in from out of the cold.

“About 50 volunteers were involved,” stated Rebecca and that is not including the Turkey Team.  The Turkey Team comprised another 10-12 people and she lovingly referred to her husband Frank as “The Head Turkey!”

The warm welcome began at the door of the church, where I was greeted by several people.  There was plenty of food on hand. 
Besides the traditional turkey, they also had ham, redskin mashed potatoes, green beans, sweet potatoes, corn, cranberry sauce, rolls with butter and many types of dessert.  There was a good assortment of pies available, including sugar-free pies and then cupcakes and homemade cookies in the shapes of colorful crosses.  Lemonade, tea and water were served at the beverage table.

They insisted that I have something, so I had a piece of sweet potato pie with whipped cream and some sweet tea.  I also took a box of Thanksgiving dinner to share with the folks back home. 

I found lots of volunteers at the Church and they were not necessarily parishoners at the Church. Many, it seemed, were simply from the community and happy to help out with this annual tradition.

About 200-250 people were expected.  The tables were festively decorated and a beautiful Thanksgiving prayer was found on the tables, reminding all to thank God for his many blessings.

Old Bridge United Methodist is located at 3966 Old Bridge Rd. in Lake Ridge.