As Thanksgiving dinners go, it had something for everyone.
Turkey (both roasted and fried). Ham. Mashed Potatoes. Stuffing. Gravy. Green Bean Casseroles. Green Salad. Cranberries. Pumpkin and Apple Pie. Cookies.
Enough to feed 156.
And the most important item on the menu on this day of gratitude and thanks: Fellowship in abundance.
“People just want to get together and connect as a community,” said Tom Moffett, pastor, along with wife Gardenia, of The Vine Church in Sonoita. The dinner at the Sonoita Fairgrounds was hosted by The Vine, with support from other local churches and area businesses.
“Ultimately that’s our goal, that nobody in this community is alone. They have a place to go.”
This year’s turnout, which included 16 volunteers doing the hard work in the kitchen, was slightly larger than last year, Moffett said.
“Nobody is left out. Everybody belongs,” he said. “Each year it seems to be getting stronger, and we’re very grateful for that.”
While this celebration of food and community was a special event, Moffett noted that there are needs that extend beyond a single day, and there are resources available to assist, including the local food pantry housed at The Vine.
“Anybody who has a need, they can call me,” he said. “There’s no need for anybody to go without.”