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A number of churches and other local organizations were in a festive enough mood this past week to welcome others for the holidays. 

One of them was Grace Bible Church, located at 250 N. Main Street. 

Many showed up to enjoy an annual free Thanksgiving dinner between the hours of 5:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. 

“This is something we’ve been doing for twenty-something years, and it’s just our way of giving back to the community,” said Lee Cruse, Senior Pastor of Grace Bible Church. “We feed four nights a week up here…we’re just trying to do our part that way, and hoping that through those things and just like this tonight…we might be able to reach some people through Christ.” 

Options for dine-in, delivery, and to-go services were made available 

At the event, tables were decorated to evoke a holiday atmosphere. 

In front of each chair, drawings of turkeys, leaves, pumpkins, and more were prepared, many of which included Bible verses, such as Matthew 19:26. 

Those present included City Commissioner Kenny Book and Clark County Circuit Court Clerk-elect Tony Kirk. 

David Conway, a Winchester resident, also attended with multiple friends. 

“[I came] to see my friends and to meet new people,” he said. “They bring your plate to you and everything.” 

Indeed, numerous volunteers brought out plates for those attending. 

The main course included turkey, turkey stuffing, mashed potatoes and gravy, green beans, bread rolls, and various drink options. 

For dessert, individuals could choose from chocolate, vanilla, or strawberry cake, while no-bake cookies and pumpkin pie were also available. 

Cruse estimated the number of individuals who benefitted from the church’s offerings. 

“I would say, on average, it’s probably between five and six hundred. Sometimes we [have] fed as many as maybe seven to eight hundred,” he said. “What you see here is one thing. We’re probably going to tonight… carry out somewhere in the neighborhood of about two-hundred fifty.” 

Jesse Newman, a Winchester resident, provided assistance. 

“I think we had an [overflow] of people to make deliveries,” he said.

Newman quickly responded when asked what he hoped others who hadn’t come to the event might know. 

“Please come,” he said. “We love…the community…this is our heart’s desire to give back what the Lord’s given to us.” 

It was a sentiment echoed by Cruse as well. 

“We want this to be a special night,” Cruse said. “Some of you might be going through tough times…if you’ll turn that over to the Lord, he’ll make a way.”