This blog is posted by "Elijah's Table," a joint project of the Episcopal Church of the Transfiguration (1 Hood Road, Derry, NH) and Etz Hayim Synagogue (1-1/2 Hood Road, Derry, NH), both located on Hood Road in Derry, NH. Twice a month we provide free, family-friendly dinners, which are served in a relaxed atmosphere. There are other organizations in the Derry, New Hampshire area that also offer free and delicious meals to the public. Please see the calendar on the right-hand side of this blog for a list of upcoming meals. And don't forget the offerings of the Sonshine Soup Kitchen (described on the left-hand side of this blog) and The Derry Salvation Army!



Saturday, November 28, 2015

A cornucopia of blessings.

The Community Meals Network 's Thanksgiving Day dinner (held at the Church of the Transfiguration on Thanksgiving Day) was a huge success.  And by that I mean there was great food, great decorations, great music, and many smiling faces -- volunteers and guests. 

What is the Community Meals Network?  It is a group of organizations devoted to delivering free meals in a welcoming environment to the public.  Those organizations are:  Episcopal Church of the Transfiguration, Etz Hayim Synagogue, First Parish Church, Saint Jude Parish Community, St. Luke's United Methodist Church, Seventh Day Adventist Church,  Sonshine Soup Kitchen, The Salvation Army, and West Running Brook Middle School.

And what is it all about?  It is not just about food, but about providing a community space, a place of the heart, where people can gather and enjoy each other's company and good will.

Here are some highlights:

Centerpieces and decorations made by Etz Hayim Synagogue teens and West Running Brook students.  Gorgeous!

The chef.  We couldn't have done it without you.

Volunteers arrived early to set up the tables, and made friends over coffee. 


Etz Hayim Synagogue teens helped serve.
Pie x pi.
A "Thanksgiving blessing mix" delivered by three angels (see below).
The early shift.  There were waves of volunteers.  This was the first shift.
The terrific young men who joined us for the day.
More wonderful young men.  The day wouldn't have been half so wonderful without you.
The three angels (see above).
Making butter patties.
Singing ALL THE VERSES to "He's Got the Whole World In His Hands."

Napkin Folding 101.