Turkey Supper Returns with Traditions New and Old

By Dan Kent, staff and contributions from Peggy Chukwudolue, Janet Jackson, Melanie Triplett and Ginny Yahl

As summer turned to autumn of 1955, Dwight D. Eisenhower was the US President. The Brooklyn Dodgers were the best team in baseball. And the buses of Montgomery, Alabama were segregated by race, awaiting December 5, when the courageous heroine Rosa Parks would refuse to surrender her seat, for which she had paid, to a white male passenger. On Saturday, November 19, 1955, Florence Christian Church served our community our first Thanksgiving feast from a borrowed kitchen and cafeteria of Florence Elementary School.

Through the years, our “Turkey Supper” has changed. As our campus grew, we left Florence Elementary to feed people at Arcadia Park Apartments, which the church built in 1978. Then the meal moved to the Activity Center. The COVID-19 pandemic modified the meal to home delivery of a ready-to-serve meal for several of our neighbors and friends.

This year, Sam Combs and his team are planning the Turkey Supper to be much like it was pre-pandemic. Scheduled on the traditional Saturday 2 weeks before Thanksgiving, Nov. 12 and at the traditional time, 5-7 PM, the menu will be the traditional Thanksgiving meal – turkey, potatoes, green beans, sweet potatoes, fresh rolls, and homemade desserts. The old tradition of preparing and hosting the meal in the Community Room at Arcadia Park Apartments will be a special treat this year.  One tradition the team plans to start includes engaging Shower Guests in the preparation and service of the meal.

Today, we worship and serve God in a world much changed from November 1955. President Eisenhower is (lo-o-o-o-ng) gone. The Dodgers dwell in Los Angeles.  Rosa Parks has become an icon, a beacon lighting the way toward a still-elusive racial harmony in which freedom is received by all. But the Florence Christian Church commitment to Serve God Boldly endures, in the form of our annual Turkey Supper and its many outreach cousins.

Why do you help with the Turkey Supper?

I am looking forward to working as a volunteer with shower ministry guests, Scouts, and other community members.  I am ready to serve and follow the footsteps in the life changing name of Jesus Christ.
Peggy Chukwudolue

The Turkey Supper brings our community and church family together in love and fellowship.  I am so blessed to be a small part of this event.
Janet Jackson

I choose to serve on the planning committee because I see this year as a turning point, a rebuilding as we emerge from COVID. It brings excitement to welcome our community back and to feed our neighbors in joy and fellowship.
 Melanie Triplett

Volunteering to work at the Turkey Supper was always one of my favorite events.  It is a time to celebrate the bounties of the end of the season and to share it with others.
Ginny Yahl

FAQ

Who is on the Turkey Supper Team? 
Sam Combs is the team leader.  Other members include Peggy Chukwudolue, Kayla Clayton, Alisha Hunt, Janet Jackson, Kathy Lybrook, Gail McDaniel, Donna Murphy, Brenda Sparks, Melanie Triplett, Amy Turner, Ginny Yahl.  On the day of the Turkey Supper, Fresh Start Shower Ministry guests and students from the Cub Scout and Scout Troops will serve the food.

When is the Turkey Supper?
The Turkey Supper will be on the Saturday, 2 weeks before Thanksgiving, Nov. 12 from 5 to 7 PM.

Where will the Turkey Supper be?
The meal will be prepared in the kitchens at Florence Christian Church and the kitchen at Arcadia Park Apartments.  It will be served in the Community Room at Arcadia Park Apartments! 

What is the menu for the Turkey Supper?
The menu is the traditional Thanksgiving meal of roasted turkey, white and sweet potatoes, green beans, stuffing, gravy and homemade desserts.

How can I help with the Turkey Supper?
There are many ways to get involved in the Turkey Supper.  Volunteer to help prepare food and serve food on Nov. 12th.  Donate funds to purchase turkeys and other menu items.  Donate a prepared dessert.

How will my donation be used?
Thank you for donating!  The meal is free to the community but it is not free to us.  Your donation will cover the cost of the turkeys and all the food.  Donations in excess of the cost will be used to feed the multitudes in our community.

Do I need a ticket or reservation?
No.  Just come to enjoy this free, delicious meal and bring guests.