By Sharon Mager
BCM/D Correspondent
OCEAN CITY, Md.—Ocean City Baptist Church serves over 600 people every Thanksgiving day. Some sit and dine at the church, others order “carryout,” or have it delivered. In addition, church members serve local firemen, public transportation workers and police officers.
“Really we serve anyone who has to work that day,” Senior Pastor Sean Davis says.
The ministry began over 30 years ago as an outreach and has grown into a huge community event. Davis said he would say participation from the church is about 100 percent. If they’re not serving, they’re contributing supplies, food or funds, he said.
The community around the church jumps in to help.
“Oh my goodness, we have so much help! We’re overwhelmed with blessings, “says Robin Derrickson, the church’s crisis minister, noting even restaurants donate food.
“We even have people who are just visiting at Ocean City who want to come and serve,” Derrickson said.
The dinners don’t just serve to feed the hungry. Derrickson said it has become a family affair as folks cook, serve and eat together. Many are lonely and don’t want to eat alone. Others just enjoy the camaraderie. It takes the cooking burden off of many.
Ultimately, it is genuine fellowship and showing the love of Jesus.