A Thanksgiving Thank You

Dear Thanksgiving Meal Volunteers:

Just days ago, you and I touched the lives of many through Good Shepherd’s Community Thanksgiving Meal.  Thank you!  Counting the servings of leftovers offered at meal’s end, we dished up a record shattering 478 plates of food for people!  The food held out, as did our gracious hospitality!  Again, thank you!  This was our 23rd year of offering a traditional meal, free to anyone.  Our Thanksgiving dinner is a beloved tradition for many of you who serve and for those who come to dine.

Thanksgiving Day flowed with grace and love.  A big thank you to those of you who served as coordinators — you did an outstanding job!  Thanks to Doug & Sue Baez and Laurie Nelson for once again spending an entire day at church roasting 370 lbs. of turkey.  Thanks to Diane Kohrs who, with superb organizational skills, coordinated volunteer sign-ups and food donations!  Thanks also to Jim Cali for the gift of live music throughout the meal.  Leftovers were delivered to Luke House this year thanks to Gary and Claudia Toboyek.  Thank you also to other staff members who shared the Thanksgiving Day leadership – Rick Thomas and Pastor Joe.  Pastor Chris greeted guests on Thanksgiving Day and Pastor Dara ran the dishwasher on Wednesday after the stuffing preparation and turkey carving was complete.  Finally, a special thanks to Todd Freber who has faithfully served as a kitchen coordinator for this meal every year since this annual meal began.

188 of you helped prepare and serve the meal. 129 of you provided food for the meal.

Thanks to all of you, we once again reflected Christ’s love into our community!  It is a joy to work alongside you in sharing God’s grace!

Blessings,

Pastor Sheryl Erickson