Dryden Community Church extends dinner invite to community

    Pass the rolls, pay a compliment about the cranberry sauce and have a slice of turkey with a neighbor - the Dryden Community Church makes this possible every year by hosting a free Thanksgiving dinner. The invitation extends beyond church members, but to the local communities for those who want to pile in and pile up their plate. The holiday season can make the wallet a little tighter, but the Dryden Community Church doesn't let that prevent those from feasting. Starting at 12 p.m., bring only an appetite and maybe a friend to join the church for dinner.
    Thanksgiving's narrative is based on coming together with those around and giving thanks, which the Dryden Community Church has embraced since around 20 years started by Jean Dennis, according to church member Marie Goehner.
    'We wanted to do something for the community," said Goehner. "It's a way for the church to give back to the community and locals to get together."
    However, it's not just for Dryden residents or just neighboring communities that are welcome at the free lunch. According to Goehner, the invite extends far and wide.
    "We've had passersby that have seen the sign and turned around to come join us for the dinner," said Goehner. "We've had a Korean couple and some LA based girls before."
    The lunch consists of the usual menu with mashed potatoes, pies, and of course turkey. Goehner said that the food is donated by church members and occasionally they've had outside sources donate the turkeys. The meal begins at noon and those who want to trickle in have until 4 p.m. to feast. Tug on loose pants and invite the neighbors to join the Dryden Community Church for Thanksgiving.
    For Leavenworth residents that want to stay close to home, the Leavenworth Community United Methodist Church will also be hosting a free, home cooked Thanksgiving meal and fellowship from 2 p.m. until 4 p.m.