The Christ Episcopal Church located at 301 3rd Ave.

Saturday, March 30, 2002

The Christ Episcopal Church located at 301 3rd Ave. NW will be having their third annual Easter Sunday Dinner at 2 p.m. Lori Amick of the congregation had the brainstorm to have a free Easter dinner three years ago. Amick wanted to do some outreach in the community and she thought a free dinner would be a good idea.

"I knew some churches and organizations offered free dinners for Christmas and Thanksgiving. The Salvation Army wasn’t having an Easter dinner so I decided to try one," explained Amick.

The first year, 40 people showed up for the Easter dinner and last year 80 came to eat. As of Thursday night, 75 people had called in that they were coming to the dinner. Reservations are not a necessity, only Amick wants to make sure there is enough food for all those attending the meal. Mary Frances Jones, a minister at the church comes to the dinner.

"The Easter dinner is for anyone. It has nothing to do with how big or how little your income is. It is for anyone. I live alone so I enjoy having an Easter dinner with people. People who are elderly and have no one to share a meal with can come. We have a neat mix of people that come to this meal," said Jones.

Posters have been hung around Austin inviting the public to this free meal. Amick made sure that one was hung in the Welcome Center to let those of Hispanic origin know that they are invited.

Amick said, "We eat family style. There is no pressure to join our church if you come to this meal. It is very informal. I like doing this meal. We have a good time working in the kitchen and everyone brings Easter decorations from home for the tables."

The menu for the Easter dinner is ham, au gratin potatoes, green beans, corn bake and bread. Members of the congregation bring a variety of desserts.

"Our congregation, like so many others, is getting smaller. I wanted to do something to bring attention to our church that would involve the outside community. This is really a fun relaxed dinner," said Amick.

Call Sheila Donnelly at 434-2233 or e-mail her at newsroom@austindailyherald.com.