Island Presbyterian hosts Thanksgiving meal

Grand Island Dispatch, December 1, 2006
Story and photos
by Michael J. Owen
U.S. Navy Journalist (Ret.)

Some of the church volunteers gather in the kitchen on Thanksgiving Day 2006 around the roasted turkeys for a community dinner at Island Presbyterian Church. The cooks and servers appearing in this photo are: (names not listed in order) Bob Barclay, Colleen Danahy, Erik Richards, Reta D’Orazio, Kathleen Shackelford, Jack and Tricia O’Connor, Daisy Moore, Mary and Walter Neuhaus, Bill Wilson, Suzanne Grafinger. There were many more. See additional photos on page 20.

Volunteers at Island Presbyterian Church hosted a Fellowship Thanksgiving Dinner last Thursday, inviting anyone who wished to gather together, enjoy a great meal and give thanks for all blessings. At least 50 people, many from off the Island, enjoyed a turkey dinner with all the trimmings and a delicious variety of homemade dishes brought by visitors and volunteers.

With more than enough food and good company, comments of high praise echoed through the church halls from all who attended. The holiday meal also included baked ham, home-cooked vegetable casseroles, soufflés, fresh-baked breads and plenty of homemade pies. The “almost legendary” pies can also be enjoyed throughout the year when the church holds fund-raisers. Eleanor Aylor supervised the pie baking, and many other volunteers, even though not members of the church came out to help during this time of giving.

“It was just wonderful how so many people unrelated came together as a family to give thanks and share a plentiful meal,” said Mary Neuhaus, one of the many volunteers who helped cook and serve the community meal. “Initially, we wanted to reach out to the community and have a Fellowship Thanksgiving. We also wanted to ensure that everyone had an opportunity to enjoy a Thanksgiving dinner for any reason. Some came because they had a small family, some wanted to enjoy a warm meal among friends and others were elderly or unable to cook such a big meal. Many seniors cannot muscle a big turkey dinner,” she emphasized. “The pastor’s comment (the Rev. Diane Phinney) was ‘This is our gift to the community with no catches.’ And how we use our time, talents and treasures is a common philosophy among churches,” Neuhaus said.

“A way to the community is to really understand what stewardship really means,” she continued. “Our goal was to have a nice dinner for whatever reason, with no catches or strings attached. Yet, we were amazed at the response and donations we received,” she said. Volunteers in the kitchen came together like family. “So many times we put undue pressure on ourselves to outdo last year or perhaps someone else. Well, not this Thanksgiving. It was a quiet, old-fashioned day where everyone came together like family,” she continued. “God calls us to practice stewardship – how we use our time, talents, and treasures. And we accomplished that on Thanksgiving.”

Neuhaus said it was amazing how many people wanted to help, including three men from Kingston who never took a break. “They mashed potatoes, cleaned, ran the dishwasher and lifted heavy items for us. They were an amazing team.”

“My initial thought was that we might have about 25 people and not a lot of help,” continued Neuhaus. “But the people of this church are wonderful. Some people signed up just to work. When was the last time you saw that?”

She said the youth group peeled and cut potatoes, onions and celery. “Wow, they could have been home playing a video game or watching a movie. Churches are an awesome place to be and anyone can discover that.”

Ruth and Bob Stahl also enjoyed the meal. Ruth is a former reporter for the Island Dispatch. “What a wonderful way to enjoy Thanksgiving,” they echoed.

Another participant, Doris Pettitt, also added that Rev. Phinney was an inspiration, and Barbara and Bill Wilson were among the main organizers. “Barb also helped to cook our Thanksgiving meal at the Golden Age Center,” Pettitt said. “We should all give thanks for good people like these volunteers, our good friends and all our blessings everyday of the year.”