"This is a blessing for me," Nina Staples of New Britain said about the meal. "I’ve been coming here for about five years now; the food is good, and I get to see a lot of people I haven’t seen in a long time."
 

According to the Rev. Katherine Fagerburg, co-pastor of South Church, even though the turnout this year was higher than usual, shortage of food is not a concern.

"We are close to capacity, and we’ll send people home with food," Fagerburg said. "We’ll encourage them to take some for the next couple of days and for neighbors."

Everyone ate ham, potatoes and green beans, as a pianist played Christmas songs on the baby grand piano next to the 12-foot Christmas tree. For some people the dinner is part of their Christmas traditions, but for others, like Patti Buccheri of New Britain, this is their first time sharing in the event.

"This right here,"Buccheri said, as she pointed out to the people eating dinner, "is why I joined this church. Their commitment to outreach for the community is so good, and this is a chance for me to give back. Christmas is about giving something back."

Giving back to the community is exactly what motivates South Church to continue the dinner for years to come. Fagerburg says that it’s much more than just sharing a meal.

"Our mission and philosophy is ‘in the heart of the city, for the heart of the city’. That’s what we believe."

"We serve on china and have silverware instead of plastic, because it’s about having a meal with respect and dignity,"Fagerburg said. "We want people to feel good about eating here and sharing with us. For some people who come year after year, this is truly how they spend their day. It’s important that we give it this way."

One who received a hot meal is Michael Siry of New Britain, who is alone for the holidays.

"I’m here because I’m alone. But, the food is fantastic," Siry said. "I’m with new friends, and they do an excellent job here. ...it’s way better than a happy meal."

This Christmas Day meal has been a staple in the New Britain community for the last 30 years, and Berlin High School math teacher Jim Bryers has volunteered his time over the last four years to assist with the preparation and ordering process.

"It’s been a special way for me to get involved. We gave out almost 200 take-out meals Saturday,"Bryers said. "This is the way I give back to the community; it’s something different."

Franchone Fraser-Ben Reuben Bey can be reached at ffraser@newbritainherald.com or by calling (860) 225-4601, ext 221.