FARMINGTON—The mouthwatering aroma of succulent roast pork loin greets you before you even step through the church door. Inside, chef Stan Wheeler stirs a massive pot of steaming mashed potatoes. Nearby, volunteers Dick Giard and Anne Wehrman ladle out thick gravy, scoop up bright green beans, and slide squares of frosted chocolate cake onto plates. Just as the clock hand slips to 12 noon, Wheeler calls out, “Let’s dish up!” and another free Community Luncheon begins.
The Community Luncheon at Old South First Congregational Church, UCC in Farmington, Maine has been a hub of church activity for decades. Serving upwards of 100 meals at a time, the program brings together loyal volunteers, generous donors, and the skilled culinary team of Wheeler, Giard and Wehrman to offer a free welcoming home-style midday meal each month.
“We are very excited and pleased to be continuing this important ministry of feeding and sharing fellowship this fall,” says Wheeler. “We have been doing this for 20-plus years and it is a privilege to serve our community in this way. We are thankful for volunteers who come out every month to make this possible, and we are grateful for the people who come to join us and share in a meal.”
Hungry patrons choose their seats at the long white tables, calling out greetings as they settle in. Nearby, guitarist Chris Yardley adjusts the strings of his instrument, itching to begin his first musical set; he will be strumming and singing while the diners enjoy their meal. A volunteer bustles past, arms laden with take-out meals, which have been ordered in advance and will be delivered across town. A simple woven basket sits at a small table by the door, where patrons can drop in a monetary donation if they choose.
“Feeding people is at the heart of this church,” remarks Rev. Marraine Kettell, minister of Old South Church. “The Community Luncheon is a treasure—it’s a wonderful opportunity for people to get together, break bread together, and just enjoy being in community together.”
Fine-tuning the logistics—and the finances—to keep this program running smoothly is no easy feat. Several weeks in advance, a sign-up sheet appears in the church vestry requesting donations of butter, potatoes, milk, frozen vegetables, and more. The meats—and sometimes dessert, too—are donated by a local restaurant. There are sign-ups seeking volunteers to run the commercial dishwasher, to peel potatoes, and to set the tables with silverware, glasses, napkins, and more. Often, on the day of the meal, Wheeler, Giard, and Wehrman arrive at dawn to begin the preparations.
The culinary team carefully considers the menu each month. Typical meals feature baked ham, turkey fricassée, or Wheeler’s “regionally famous” American chop suey, which includes smoky bacon in the savory tomato-and-beef pasta dish.
The free Community Luncheon is served at noon the third Saturday of each month, resuming October 19, and continuing through the church program year to May 17, 2025. Take-out meals can be ordered in advance by calling the church at 207-778-0424.
Old South First Congregational Church, UCC, is located at 235 Main Street in Farmington, Maine. For more information, check out the church’s website at FarmingtonUCC.org or Facebook page.
