DELTA — On the fourth Saturday of every month (even when it’s Christmas Eve!) the Crossroads Community Dinner serves up to 130 people a delicious and nutritious meal, along with warm hospitality in a safe space. For the fifth year running, this ministry has been feeding those who are hungry for a nourishing hot meal, as well as those who are hungry for connection and respectful relationship. The meal is free, thanks to the generosity of donors and volunteers, and Crossroads folks aim to create a hospitable space for everyone to feel welcome, whatever their life situation.
 
The first shift of volunteers arrives in the kitchen each fourth Saturday at 11:30 a.m., to create the delectable dessert that will be served that night, followed closely by the prep shift for the main and salad courses. The tables & chairs team arrives at 3:00 p.m. to set up the dining space and place table-cloths and vases (always with fresh flowers) along with the menu on each table. A small group wraps enough cutlery in serviettes to serve the whole crowd. The greeters arrive at 4:15 p.m. and the servers get there by 4:45 p.m. to receive their “coaching” from the “front of house” coordinator.
 
Fifteen minutes later, after a warm welcome, a short grace, and a shout-out to the donor who purchased the groceries for that night’s meal, the salad course is served. Then the main course, which is often “comfort food” like chicken pot pie or a beef stew, arrives. The tables are canvassed by the servers to discover who would prefer the vegetarian option for the evening. Bread from the Deltassist bread gleaners program is often served on the side. Then dessert: homemade brownies with ice-cream or a delicious little lemon tart are two favourites.
 
The ambiance is warm and friendly, and often a community member who is a pianist “accompanies” the meal with his musical contributions. Some folks linger over a cup of coffee or tea and conversation with their table-mates, and others make their way home shortly following the meal. The clean-up crew is usually all finished shortly after 7:00 p.m. and rarely are there significant left-overs to deal with.
 
Sometimes, there are not enough chairs for all the people who arrive for the meal. That’s when things get creative in the seating and serving departments! The greeters add folks in on the ends of tables, seating people at extra tables, hastily set up, accommodating all who arrive in one way or another so that they can enjoy the delicious meal.
 
Thanks to the many hands who make this dinner happen, including dinner sponsors from the Crossroads congregation and community partners such as the North Delta Rotary Club, the Scottsdale Lions, Mr. Gary Kelbert, the Hon. Carla Qualtrough and Ms. Donna Burke, and Cllr. Bruce MacDonald and Ms. Laura Dixon.