POINT PLEASANT — “In everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus” - 1 Thessalonians 5:18.

From 4-6 p.m. this Tuesday, Nov. 20 at the Presbyterian Church in Point Pleasant, anyone who wishes to stop by the church can give thanks and receive a free meal.

This year is the 15th anniversary of the church’s annual Community Thanksgiving Dinner where everyone, no matter their station or denomination in life, are welcome. Last year the church had its biggest crowd yet with 300 meals served. If fact, the crowd was so large, the church had to turn to its “backup ham” which it keeps on hand in case of emergencies. Everyone should have a backup ham for every occasion.

Pam Heib, church member and one of the dinner’s organizers, said this year to avoid running out of turkey, the church has purchased 12 20-pound birds and 100 pound of potatoes, as well as plenty of dressing, gravy, green beans, desserts and rolls.

Heib said the dinner is an undertaking for sure but called it “fun” and described it as a way of reaching out to “show God’s love.”

“We want a mix of people at the dinner,” Heib said. “We want everyone to come and feel welcome in the community.”

The dinner is one of several ways the church reaches out to the community throughout the year, including the back to school carnival, the annual Easter Egg Hunt at Harmon Park, housing a local food pantry, etc. Church members volunteer their time to prepare and serve the meal each year.

“None of us are any different from the other,” Heib said, when explaining a spirit of inclusion, fellowship and God’s love that she hopes the dinner represents.

For those who can’t make the dinner, delivery will be made at no charge to shut-ins. These shut-ins may call the church at 304-675-2170 or Donna Lambert at 304-675-4883 to reserve a dinner.

In addition to the free meal, the church will be passing out goody bags to children.