Winter Warmer Lunches

For more than a decade, the churches in the Charltons near Wincanton, have been coming alongside their community by providing what they have called ‘Winter Warmer Lunches’. They were set up as a simple way of offering connection, care, and support to people in their community during the colder months. Since autumn 2012, the lunches have provided not just a warm meal, but also a space for conversation, and companionship.

Andrea DeBerker, one of the volunteers who works on the Winter Warmer Lunches says, “We felt that the cold winter months are very dreary for people and that meeting once a month for a warm lunch and lively chat would be a welcome diversion.” From the start, the vision has been about more than just food it’s also been about building relationships and being present for those who might feel isolated or in need of support.

Held in the Reading Room in Charlton Mackrell from December through to March, the lunches bring people together from all walks of life. Volunteers, both from within the church and the wider community, work together to prepare and serve a two-course hot meal, including a vegetarian option. This is then followed by tea or coffee and there is a raffle. Meals can also be delivered or taken away, which makes sure that no one is left out.

Over the years, an estimated 1,200 meals have been served. Each of those meals represents an opportunity for connection, a moment of kindness, and a chance for the church to be a visible and active presence in the community. Andrea says, “The lunches have made a valuable contribution to the social cohesion in the village and are part of our church outreach and mission.”

The impact of these lunches reaches beyond those who attend. “We have charged a modest price over the years and, as all the staff are volunteers, we have made welcome contributions to the funds supporting our two village churches.”