NEWELL-Commencing the holiday season, a large crowd gathered in the Newell Community Hall and began “A Grateful Gathering” on the Sunday before Thanksgiving.
The annual event has been organized by several community members with the goal of reaching out to others and has taken place for a couple of decades, always promising an enjoyable evening of gathering folks from around the area.
Under the direction of WIT Coalition Director, Sabrina Harmon, the hall was set up with the help of the Newell FFA students. Harmon decorated the hall simply in inviting Fall colors and a Thanksgiving theme in anticipation of 150-200 guests attending the event.
This year, the turkey, fresh dinner rolls, mashed potatoes, and stuffing, were baked in the Newell School kitchen by Betty Bruner, with the assistance of Dawn Olson, Betty Baker, and Pat Lee. Helping hands also included Dixie and Jerry Seaman, and Chuck Bruner who aided in transporting the feast to the community hall.
Community members arrived with an array of delicious side dishes for the feast that followed. Jerry Seaman and Chuck Bruner manned the roasters filled with an abundance of turkey to add to each plate.
Following the holiday spread, the children from the Awana Club at Newell Christian Fellowship Church shared several songs they had been working on during their Wednesday evening class. Betty Bruner followed with a flute solo entitled “My Tribute”.
Testimonies were shared by Mark Rubey and Austin Hagen. They each shared how their lives had changed when Jesus became important to them. Because of Jesus, a light is in their lives that doesn’t dim.
Every year, the evening is cherished and looked forward to by the community. This year nearly 175 townspeople joined in the fellowship and food. Plans are in the workings for next year. Mark your calendars now!
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