More than 500 attend second annual Community Christmas Celebration at Hope Church.
Before the snow starting flying on Saturday afternoon, the Christmas spirit was being sparked at Hope Presbyterian Church. Carolers spread Christmas melodies throughout the different rooms of the church, and "angels" brought smiles to those around them. Pastor David Lenz said he estimated more than 500 people were in attendance throughout the day. "How do we reach out to people," Lenz asked rhetorically. "We just throw a big party." To start the celebration, the church's Theater for the Thirsty performed it's "A Misfit Christmas." Jack Pearson later played for the audience with various instruments including his guitar, spoons and a jaw harp. Other activities included jumping castles, face painting, a crafts room and free food. "We want to…
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Hope Presbyterian Church
7132 Portland Ave, Richfield, MN
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Hope Church partners with local nonprofit to serve free dinners four times a week.
They say there's no such thing as a free lunch, but Monday through Thursday nights at Richfield's Hope Presbyterian Church guests can receive a free dinner. Hope Church is one of the eight local venues that Loaves and Fishes, a Minneapolis-based non-profit, serves free dinners. Volunteers, individuals and groups from various organizations, do all the meal planning, preparing, food purchasing and serving. On average, 90 to 100 people turn out at Hope Church each night for dinner. "Typically there are a number of seniors, there are some families, and then kind of a broad sector of people who are struggling and having a hard time," said Alan Jones, site coordinator for Hope Church. "It's open [to everyone], no-questions-asked, no judging. We'…
44.873919
-93.268018
Hope Presbyterian Church
7132 Portland Ave, Richfield, MN
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1541816
/locations/2478332
44.873919
-93.268018
Loaves and Fishes
7132 Portland Ave, Richfield, MN
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Julie Saffrin
10:01 am on Monday, December 5, 2011
What a splendid day. Thanks for a great article! more ›