photo by CAROL SHETLER/The Luminary Terese Williams, Paula Fenstermacher, Tom and Linda Baysore, make preparations for a free lunch monthly at Clinton Baptist Church in Montgomery.

The welcome mat is out at Montgomery’s Clinton Baptist Church for a monthly outreach program initiated in the fall of 2016. “Although we’re a small congregation, we felt we should be doing something for the community,” said Linda Baysore, who along with husband Tom, are given credit for the idea of providing a free lunch.

“At first, response was small, but we’re up to about 35 people, most around 80 years of age. Our purpose was to befriend those living alone. We began cautiously by providing Christian tracts and prayer at meals. During the two-hour period, we try to get around and talk to everybody,” Linda said. The aim of the volunteers is to feed individuals both spiritually and physically.

Among the public response have been residents from the local community of Montgomery, as well as Muncy and Milton. “I enjoy the meet and greet with new people,” said Terese Williams, who has been a part of the effort from the beginning.

According to another volunteer, Paula Fenstermacher, “Everyone is welcome, and though we look for those who do not have a church family, most do and we respect that.” In citing the recent pandemic Paula said, “We provided take-outs, however, all are happy to be back together again. We encourage everyone to make themselves at home, as well as voice any suggestions to better our time together.”

Menu planning follows a seasonal approach with soups and salad from October through May. In summer bar-b-cue is offered, with full meals around the holidays. Due to a man saying he wanted to pay, a donation can was placed near the entrance, and although it’s emphasized donations are not expected, they sometimes find a dollar or two, or a ten or twenty. Otherwise, supplies come from volunteers and others.

The gathering occurs from noon until 2 pm the third Saturday of the month. Entrance is at the ground level entrance at the rear of Clinton Baptist Church, 60 Warren Street, just blocks from the Montgomery School.