By: Michelle Jones, Follow South Jersey Correspondent
SALEM, N.J. – In recent years our country has seen clear lines drawn in the sand between beliefs and ideas. But this is not so in Salem City, New Jersey. The churches and friends in this community cross these imaginary lines and work together to create a true homemade Thanksgiving Feast for over 300 people. The event is eat in, take out, and delivery if needed.
Every year for the past four years and beyond Salem City has hosted a large Thanksgiving Feast that is a true community and Ecumenical event. In recent years the event has taken place in The First Baptist Church of Salem and prior to this location it was hosted by Broadway Methodist Church. The transfer of venue took place in 2020, the year of Covid. Yet the feast still went on – take out only of course.
The current organizers of this event, Jean Sharp and Katie Griffith, explained the giant undertaking and were quick to share all of the groups involved in this feast.
They receive monetary donations from friends throughout Salem City, food donations from St. John’s Pentecostal Outreach Church, Mission Teens in Norma, and many individuals.
But it doesn’t stop there, as Sharp and Griffith pointed out there are many pathways that the Lord uses to make this feast possible. Time, monetary, and food donations also come from local churches throughout the county such as Crosspoint Church, River Church, First Baptist Church of Woodstown, First Baptist Church of Salem, Sharptown Methodist, and Cohansey Baptist Church. There will also be youth groups helping to decorate the building and make placemats and even a girl scout troop from Pilesgrove making corn muffins.
It is a true coming together to share in the holiday with those who may need support, those who are not able to be with distant relatives, or those who just enjoy this great community fellowship time.
Sharp said they will cook enough food for about 400 people.
“The process takes about 200 man hours, 40 turkeys, 150 pounds of potatoes in addition to boxed mashed potatoes, 25 loaves of bread as well as boxed stuffing, 60 dozen homemade cookies, and lots and lots of gravy,” Sharp said. “We also cannot forget the much needed 60 volunteers which are organized via a giant spreadsheet.”
Sharp said that the crowd favorite is the homemade aspect of the meal and especially the home baked cookies. Her favorite part of the day is delivering to those in need. This way she can slow down and visit with friends.
Griffith said she thinks the fan favorite is the turkey for sure, and her favorite part of the day is serving her neighbors.
This event will take place on Thanksgiving Day from 11 a.m.-1:00 p.m. eat in or take out. Free tickets are available for pick up at Parkers Jewelers located at 193 E Broadway in Salem.
Michelle Jones is the pastor of the First Baptist Church of Salem.
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