Last Thanksgiving, Water Avenue Baptist Church opened its doors to the community and welcomed 189 people for a huge holiday dinner.

This year, church member and meal organizer Johnnie Brewer said, they expect even more.

The meal, which pastor Willie Brewer has themed “Making a Difference One Meal at a Time,” will begin at 10 a.m. Thanksgiving morning and run until 1 p.m.

The meal, Johnnie said, will have all hands on deck.

“Most of the women in the church will be cooking dressing,” she said. “It’s a church-wide effort. We all get together and help cook and help serve. We even have some people from outside the church come and help serve.”

Those who attend will be treated to chicken dressing, ham, string beans, yam patties, roll, cake and tea, cranberry sauce and gravy.

Like last year, tables will be set up and those who come in can sit down, relax and enjoy a delicious meal. When people express their appreciation, Johnnie said it always feels great to have made a difference.

“We’re giving back and I think it’s something God wants us to do,” she said. “It makes you feel good to know you are helping people out. We’re always tired, but it feels good to know you helped.”

Already, Johnnie said, there has been a positive response.

“We have had 25 plates for people calling in to be delivered,” she said.

For more information, call 418-0798.