On April 10th Mt. Calvary Community Supper Acton celebrated its 12th birthday. Since our founding in April 2012, by Mike Tobia, Betty Andrews, Carol Graton, Pastor Tim Knapp and a core group of church members, in partnership with Acton-Boxborough United Way, we have now served over 55,000 meals to neighbors who have joined us every Wednesday throughout the years. As the only active community supper in Acton, it is evident that our mission to help alleviate food insecurity and social isolation is so very important and necessary in our communities. The success of Mt. Calvary Community Supper has been remarkable. Through the transitions of inside dining, to a “drive-thru parking lot supper” necessary during the pandemic, to the return to Fellowship Hall, it has filled a great void for all our guests. For some, it is a time to have a warm prepared meal that is not from a microwave. For others it is a time to be welcomed by our volunteers and join other guests, rather than be alone at home. Food and friendship are in abundance at our Supper. We strive to help all who join us to feel a sense of belonging to our community – “our family”.
Each week, families with children, singles, groups of friends and neighbors of all ages, sit down to enjoy a nutritious meal in the light, airy Fellowship Hall of the Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church at 472 Mass Avenue in Acton. Individual guests come from a unique background, but all come for a moment in their day when they can be treated with dignity and respect. It is gratifying for all the volunteers to see everyone enjoy the meal and engage in conversation and laughter. This is especially notable during holidays, birthdays, and other celebrations when everyone is treated to special decorations, singing and musical presentations, and recognition of birthdays and milestones.
The preparation and organization of Mt. Calvary Community Supper requires the dedication of many individuals. Throughout each year, over 100 compassionate, rotating volunteers offer their time and energy to make certain all runs smoothly. Every week preparations for the 3-course meal begin on Tuesday. Then on Wednesday, our cooking team creates a delicious dinner. Students come in to assist with setting up Fellowship Hall and greeting guests. Teams of volunteers arrive to welcome each diner and serve the meal. Of course, all would not be possible without those who arrive later to tackle the clean-up of the dining room and the kitchen. Many hands make light work.
In addition to wonderful volunteers, Mt. Calvary Community Supper is indebted to the generosity of our sponsors, Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church members, civic, business and community organizations, fellow churches, and wonderful individuals who give from their heart with their time, gifts, and monetary donations. We are very blessed to have this support. It instills in us our commitment to our guests and provides each volunteer with the reward of knowing we are making a positive difference in their lives. As so well stated by one of our guests:
“While food is necessary to sustain the body, food and a community supper serve a much greater purpose of nourishing the entire human spirit as we dine and communicate with our friends and neighbors.”
In the words of our former Chairman Mike Tobia who passed away in November 2020:
We are “Always Grateful for Another Wednesday.”
Should you wish to learn more about our journey and weekly happenings, follow these links:
Https://MtCalvaryacton.org/community-Supperhttps://wwwfacebook.comCommunitySupperofActonMA