Thanksgiving is a time for gratitude, fellowship and coming together around the dinner table.
For more than three decades, First Ruston has embraced those traditions by bringing people together for a special holiday celebration centered on food, friendship and faith.
That tradition continues Wednesday, Nov. 18, when First Ruston hosts its annual “To Ruston With Love” Community Thanksgiving Meal at 6 p.m. at the Ruston Civic Center.
The event welcomes residents from throughout the Ruston area, along with students from Louisiana Tech University, Grambling State University and Louisiana Delta Community College, for an evening of fellowship, encouragement and a traditional Thanksgiving meal.
What began in the 1990s as an effort to provide a holiday meal for college students who remained on campus during Thanksgiving break has grown into a communitywide celebration.
Over the years, the event was moved to the week before Thanksgiving and expanded to include residents throughout the Ruston area. While the gathering has evolved, its mission has remained the same — sharing Christ’s love through food, friendship and fellowship.
“It is such a blessing to share Christ’s love with our community and to get to have a wonderful meal together,” First Ruston pastor Chris Craig said. “We invite anybody and everybody to come and be a part of this special time.”
In addition to enjoying a Thanksgiving meal, those attending will hear a brief message focused on the true meaning of thankfulness and the many blessings that bring people together during the holiday season.
For First Ruston, the annual event represents an opportunity to reach beyond the walls of the church and connect with neighbors from all walks of life.
“Serving others is what Christ called us to do, and our desire is to share His love with our community,” Gay Magee said.
Making the evening possible requires a tremendous team effort.
More than 100 volunteers contribute their time and talents to ensure the event is a success, from planning and promoting the gathering to preparing and serving the meal.
Church members Brittany Jackson, Brenda Martin, David Magee and Jeremy Magee provide organizational and promotional assistance, while Chris Garriga, Meg Brown, Rita Thompson, Daniel Pevy and numerous others help with meal preparation and kitchen operations.
First Ruston members also contribute homemade desserts, adding a personal touch to the holiday gathering.
But the event is about much more than the food being served.
It is about making connections, strengthening relationships and reminding people that they are part of a caring community. Whether someone is a college student spending the holiday season away from home, a longtime Ruston resident or a newcomer to the area, the invitation is the same.
Everyone is welcome.
Organizers also want to make sure transportation is not an obstacle for those wishing to attend. Individuals who need a ride to the event can call First Ruston at 318-255-4628 by noon Wednesday, Nov. 18, to request transportation assistance.
Additional information about the event can be found at fbcruston.org under the “Events” section.
First Ruston invites the entire community to come together Nov. 18 at the Ruston Civic Center to share a meal, enjoy fellowship and celebrate the blessings of Thanksgiving.
Bring a friend, bring your family or simply bring yourself. There is a place for everyone at the table. Because sometimes the greatest blessing of Thanksgiving isn’t what’s on the table — it’s the people gathered around it.
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