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SUMC Host's Senior Citizen Luncheon
Senior Citizen Luncheon Continues to Draw Big Crowds
Saturday October 3 at 11:30 AM. Call 703-430-6455
Homebound Seniors May Have Dinners Delivered to Their Residences
"Love your neighbor as yourself." [Matthew 22:39 NIV]
Sterling United Methodist Church (SUMC) believes in sharing their Christian faith to enable people to become actively devoted followers and ministers of Jesus Christ. It is through this mission that SUMC lives out its vision to be an active faith in our world. It is their congregation that puts this mission into action. The SUMC was established in 1875 as the Methodist Church in Guilford. The congregation is currently 1,100 members strong.
The SUMC semi-annual Senior Citizen Luncheon draws seniors from all over eastern Loudoun County for an afternoon of music, food and fellowship. Held in the spring and fall of each year, the luncheon is an outreach program in which SUMC and community volunteers share God’s love and faithfulness with seniors by serving them lunch in a warm, family-style atmosphere.
This year, with the decline in the economy, SUMC organizers expect a record turnout for the 
fall luncheon, which is typically the biggest of the year. Last year, 163 seniors attended this special event, and 66 who were homebound received “to go” meals prepared by volunteers and delivered by friends or associates. Any senior in Loudoun County is welcome; a special effort is made to reach low-income seniors whose financial situation may not allow them to spend much money on food. “This year there are many seniors who will be attending because of the tight economy,” says Marlene Cavaiola of SUMC. She adds, “This will be the largest turnout we’ve ever had.”
This event, which is complimentary, is a family-style, seated event during which the seniors are served a dinner in SUMC’s fellowship hall. Approximately 120 lbs. of turkey and 65 lbs. of ham are used in preparing the meal. The meal is traditional, home cooked food, served on china with silverware from SUMC and loaned from several local churches due to the huge attendance. Past offerings have included mashed potatoes, rolls, green beans, corn and gravy in addition to the turkey and ham. Dessert is always homemade pie....a huge hit! Sweet tea (a favorite), lemonade and coffee are also served.
SUMC has a long tradition of luncheons and potluck suppers....Methodists are known for their love of food with their fellowship! This event started years ago and has grown tremendously in size and popularity.
Volunteers from the church and community groups (such as the Boy and Girl Scouts) serve the meal to guests. Brian Baracat-Donovan, who worked as a volunteer server at the May luncheon, enjoyed the opportunity to interact with guests. “Each senior who attended was so happy to be at the luncheon. They were excited to see their friends and to talk to the youth volunteers, especially. It was an opportunity for several generations to come together and share an afternoon.”
After the luncheon, the group is led in a sing-along of classic and patriotic songs. Each participant leaves with a takeout box of food as well as a goody bag of nonperishable food and toiletry items.
Kim Christiansen, one of the organizers who also publicize the event, said she makes an effort to reach all the seniors in the county. “We advertise at William Watters, Falcon’s Landing and the Senior Community Center in Cascades, and all the other senior residences.” Attendees may come from all over the county to enjoy this special afternoon. Those who are interested in attending do not need to RSVP. The event is on Saturday, October 3rd and the luncheon is served at 11:30 AM at SUMC.
For more information, please contact the SUMC office at (703) 430-6455 or see their website at http://www.sterlingumc.org/.
If anyone is interested in publishing a faith article on this web column, please contact Mark Gunderman at gunderman2001@aol.com.
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