Celebrating Thanksgiving

By Katie Nichols (Contact) | Selma Times-Journal

Published Thursday, November 26, 2009

SELMA — People would walk in or pile out of cars Thursday at Water Avenue Baptist Church for a good reason — Thanksgiving dinner.

Thursday marked the second time the church has provided Thanksgiving to people free of charge.

“Last year we didn’t know what to expect, but we ended up feeding 200 people,” Water Avenue Baptist Church Pastor Rod Rochester said. “This year we expect about 300 people.”

Several people and churches helped to see this day continue without any problems. Rochester said people donated time and money and other churches even donated funds to help cover the cost of the Thanksgiving meal.

Congregants prepared most of the food on Wednesday and came back to the church early Thursday to place the finishing touches on the meals. Menu for the meal was lemon pepper chicken, ham, turkey, dressing, potato salad, green beans, rolls, macaroni and cheese, cake and tea.

Pastors from many area churches were at the lunch, talking to community members.

“It’s a good way for all denominations to come together,” Pastor Rod Rochester said. “Churches from all denominations are participating.”

Volunteers worked on filling Styrofoam to-go plates full of the Thanksgiving meal.

Their work didn’t go unnoticed. Pete Thurston walked up to Water Avenue Baptist Church to get a plate for himself.

“I was walking down the road and smelled the good food,” he said. “I got closer and saw they were giving it out so I stopped by. I sure do thank this church and these people for the food. It’s real good.”

The event has enough interest that Rochester believes it will also occur next year.

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