BEDFORD – Bertha’s Mission 10th Annual Free Community Thanksgiving Dinner held their first in-person, sit-down meal since 2019 at the Bedford First Baptist Church Saturday afternoon.
Moving the event to a drive-through format for the safety of others during the COVID-19 pandemic took away what was special about the dinner, and having everyone gather at a table and share a meal together is what Janice Nickeo-Pendergrass has been hoping for.
“It has truly been a blessing for us to come back together and fellowship together is amazing,” said Janice. “I wasn’t sure we were going to be able to do it like this today, because it is different than just doing a dive-through. It allows us to be face-to-face again, to interact and feel the love of everyone around us, it is truly amazing.”
The drive-through setup was a huge success for the past two years, but it left a void in Janice’s mind. Missing the key part of service, interacting with the community.
“Seeing the expression on everyone’s faces, being able to interact with the community, is a personal thing for me, like sitting at grandma’s house,” Janice said. “It’s indescribable having this here again, with all of the volunteers that have helped get this going. Every year people are so willing to give their time when they don’t have to is phenomenal. It’s the spirit of giving, which is what Thanksgiving is about.”
Knowing that Bertha’s Mission continues to strive forward and continue to provide what is necessary is a proud moment for Janice, who knows how emotional it can be.
“We have this event so we can embrace those who need it,” said Janice. “We can smile with them, talk with them, and have that human interaction while being in the midst of others brings out belonging. Without the help of our sponsors, or the locations helping put this event on, we couldn’t do this. It’s just amazing, I get so emotional because I know my mother is happy and God is happy, and I can only imagine what these people are feeling here today.”
Additional locations continued to provide the drive-through option at Tulip Street Christian Church in Mitchell and the Turning Point Christian Church of the Nazarene in Heltonville for those who were unable to attend the in-person dinner.
