by Bea Peterson
“It started out as the congregation wanting to do something for the community,” said John Hyde. He was speaking about the free monthly meals offered at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church in Hoosick Falls. “Secondly, we wanted to develop a men’s ministry.” What it became, more than three years ago, was St. Mark’s Men’s Suppers. Though many help with the preparation, the kitchen is overseen by the men, including preparation and cleanup. The meal is served buffet style. Plates are picked up by the men and dessert is served by them. The meals vary every month. In the summer it is often hot dogs and hamburgers on the grill. On Sunday, December 16, the meal was lasagna, tossed salad, beverages and ice cream.
“We wanted people to get out of the house and meet together for a meal. We wanted to reach people who, perhaps, really needed a good meal,” said Hyde. All the reasons worked. The size of the crowd varies from month to month. A capacity crowd is 60 people.
Dinner frequenters include residents of the nearby Senior Housing units, families with young children and Town and Village residents. Free will offerings are accepted.
The Men’s Suppers are from 5 to 6 pm on the second Sunday of the month. The next meal will be January 13.
