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A cafeteria style meal, served by Welcome Table 2 volunteers at the First United Methodist Church in Rutherfordton recently, was a blessing for community members and volunteers who ate the home cooked meal together inside the church's Family Life Center.
The atmosphere was festive as folks said it was so good to be back inside where they could meet friends, eat with their neighbors and enjoy the delicious meal together.
Not since the global pandemic has the Welcome Table served its guests inside the fellowship hall until just a few weeks ago. Prior to the Pandemic meals were served indoors.
Although the drive-through meal service during the pandemic served its purpose for providing a good hearty meal for more than 100 people each week, one major aspect was missing - the fellowship around the table.
The homemade cooked meal in the church kitchen included fried chicken, pork loin, macaroni and cheese, green beans, gravy and biscuits with homemade desserts and beverages. Community members walked through the line and proceeded to a table where they met neighbors and friends and were later joined by volunteers.
"We get a bigger blessing than those who are getting the food," said Vickie Thompson, a coordinator of Welcome Table 2, along with a host of dedicated volunteers who show up early in the day to cook, work and fellowship.
Emma Feathers of Rutherfordton was among community folks at the March 31 Welcome Table 2.
"I've been waiting for this for a long time," she said. Bragging on the delicious meal and desserts, she said, "And the fellowship is better than the food."
Faye Bradley of Spindale said, "I'm not completely out of food at home, but this is so good, the fellowship," she said.
Others friends agreed the fellowship is so important.
Claudette Ivey of Spindale also agreed the meals are delicious, adding "And I enjoy meeting the people, that is so important."
Many community members live alone and the Monday night fellowship is over the top for so many.
Sharing the honors of providing the Welcome Table meals on Monday nights are the First Baptist Church, Rutherfordton and St. Francis Episcopal Church, Rutherfordton. Each of the churches have a specific Monday night to cook and serve the meals all at First United Methodist Church beginning at 5pm.
Earlier this year, First Baptist Church in Forest City, moved its designated third Monday meal from Rutherfordton to the Forest City Baptist church's fellowship hall where everyone is welcome to join the dinner room experience.
To help fill in the gaps on Monday nights in Rutherfordton, Ruff'ton Roots Community Garden will provide meals beginning May 19 and continue through September, serving its own garden grown vegetables that will be harvested, cooked in the church kitchen and served.
Lindy Abrams, manager of Ruff'ton Roots said the community garden volunteers will join the Welcome Table Mondays, particularly the third Monday evening rotation.
"I am a little nervous and yet excited," Abrams said. "Instead of giving out food (pantries, food kitchens) we will be doing this on a whole different level. The community garden will be growing the food, cooking it and watching the community enjoy the food right in front of us. And will sit down with them to eat," she said.
Donations are needed
Through the end of April, the Welcome Table is raising donations to financially support the Monday night community meals. Russ Armentrout, a volunteer since his retirement from JROTC at R-S Central about eight years ago, is heading the fund raising committee through Vertical Raise, a streamline online platform that allows people to raise funds digitally through email, text and social media.
Russ said the program works as people tell one another about the fundraising efforts, collecting emails from family, friends and supporters such as grandparents, aunts and uncles, co-workers, neighbors and others.
Russ is happy to explain how Vertical Raise works by calling 828-447-0940 or contact the Vertical Raise Rep Stephen Gay at stepheng@verticalraise.com.
"We so appreciate your donations," said Russ. Without them, there couldn't be a Welcome Table. His wife Linda joined the volunteer work about four years ago and was on hand Monday night to help cook and fellowship.
Vickie Thompson adds, "We'd love to have your support so we can continue with the meals."
The Welcome Table has proven such a positive asset to the lives of those who attend each week.
Although all said they love all the food cooked, some have their favorites - Lemon Meringue Pie, Banana Pudding, Pistachio Salad and "everything else."
Robert Lane of Spindale said, "my favorite meal? Anything they cook. Everything is really good," he said and is glad to be back inside to meet friends.
Bessie Wilson adds, "it's a family affair."
Volunteer Don Harris said it has taken a little while for people to become accustomed again to dining inside, but he knows it is working. "Anyone, anyone who needs a meal (and fellowship) can come on it," he said.
"It's community. Volunteers sit with the community at the table. There are no questions asked," said Don.
Donations collected through April are a necessity if folks like those who show up each week for a home cooked meal, can continue to participate.
During the fellowship time, one R-S Central High School student there with her family for a meal, couldn't wait to show off her new prom dress on her phone. That's good fellowship.
It's all about sharing happy news with others and having a community meal.
