COMMUNITY CHRISTMAS DINNER

Every year, the congregations of Northwest Portland Ministries work together to provide a Christmas dinner for anyone who wants to come...usually around 350 people. In addition, another 150 meals are delivered to people who cannot get to the meal site.

The turkey dinner is held at Congregation Beth Israel, and most of the on-site volunteers are from Jewish congregations. However, this is truly an interfaith effort, with an assist from businesses and others in the Portland community.

In 2005, for example, flowers and decorations were provided by First Immanuel Lutheran Church and the students at St. Mary's Cathedral School. The youth group at Trinity Episcopal Cathedral made take-home gift bags that contained useful items, including warm hats provided by Goodwill Industries and the knitting group at Beth Israel. Turkeys, dressing, potatoes, vegetables, and pies were provided and cooked by several congregations. Fruit was donated by Food Front Co-op Grocery, and Franz Bakery donated dinner rolls.

Food for the spirit was provided by carolers from Holy Apostles Orthodox Church, and a group of 15 actors presented an adaptation of Dickens's "A Christmas Carol."