by Grace McCarthy

It’s a Wednesday night and driving down Queen Anne Avenue I tighten my grip on the steering wheel as I realize that it’s already 6:00. My forehead is tense from the stress of my busy day. Lately I haven’t been able to make it to Wednesday night dinner any earlier and, gosh darn it, setting up is one of my favorite parts.

As I drive past the front doors of Bethany I see the familiar banner saying “Community Dinner, All Are Welcome” and a few familiar faces in the long line of people waiting to be let in. After I turn onto Howe and look for a place to park, I wonder what sort of night it will be.

My life has just seemed so full lately that I barely have time to take a breath and sometimes it’s not always easy to be at Wednesday night dinner. However, even on my busiest weeks I find myself scurrying down Howe Street knowing that the laughs and hugs I’m anticipating can’t come soon enough. I guess I just can’t help it, because even on my grumpiest and busiest days I always leave with a new sense of what God’s love really means to me.

It’s easy to see Christ’s will being performed through the service of the volunteers. But He is more than just part of the actions; He’s a part of the atmosphere. Many of the guests who come rarely get to share a meal with others in a place that feels so safe and comfortable. At Bethany Presbyterian’s Wednesday Night Dinners, everyone receives nourishment in more ways than one.

I usually go through the back door of the Fellowship hall and today is no different. The first place I always find reassurance and love is in the kitchen. As I walk in Karen Taylor (one of the supervisors) spots me. ‘Hey Gracie!’ she yells with a warm smile as she chops vegetables for the salad. I’m suddenly surrounded by my friends, the other regular volunteers who help to keep things running. I’m also purposeful and it feels good.

I help get the serving tables ready and Janet Moore (the other supervisor) opens the doors. She is always dashing all over the place and brings over some new volunteers from SPU. ‘Could you tell them to wash their hands and show them where the gloves are Grace?’

The new servers get set up while every kind of person files in. Many of the servers have a gleam in their eyes which I can only imagine is because they’re feeling good about helping others. Often times though, even those who have been volunteering for years find that really, the guests are serving them too!

So many people just want respect, company and a willing ear. It’s always a surprise to sit down and find that you wanted the same things all along. Once you sit down and say ‘hi,’ you’ll most often find a unique person rich in experiences and after all that, it’s easy to see that Wednesday Night Dinner encompasses so much more than just handing out food.

In those few hours a place is created where you can feel safe and welcome. You can smile, talk and maybe even let down your guard for a little bit. It’s a place where you have a chance to make yourself clear, where you can try to be understood or at least find people who want to understand you.

Having someone listen and care makes a huge difference for everyone! I have never found anywhere else where such a diverse group of people; people of different classes, races, genders, abilities and experiences can sit together in communion instead of at odds.

I feel like only God could bring people together in that way nowadays. Its not just people having dinner in the same place, its fellowship! Its communion! I never really understood what communion meant until I walked through those church doors on a Wednesday night two years ago!

After finishing my own dinner and listening to the memories of a new friend, I smile as I realize the stressful tension in my forehead is gone and my belly is full. I wipe down a few tables, put up a few chairs and stack some freshly washed dishes, I’m happy to find that I feel so different after only two hours.

As I take off my nametag and apron I hear the piano start up with tragic and beautiful sounds. It is being played by a true artist who will probably never be recognized after he leaves and goes back to the broken down car that he lives out of. I say my goodbyes with hugs and a, ‘See you next week!’

Wednesday Night Dinner is a time of true communion and fellowship. For me going to Bethany for a few hours a week simply provides a tangible experience of God’s love. I am confident that if you hunger for mission, comfort and fellowship (or maybe just to start with some delicious homemade food!) you can make change and be changed at Bethany Presbyterian’s Wednesday Night Community Dinners. Please remember, you’re always invited.

Grace McCarthy is a member of the BPYG and a senior at Garfield High School.