Cranmer Dinners

Dinners at Cranmer Chapel kicked off for the 22nd year

It may have looked a bit different this year, but it was still the love of Christ shared with His people. There were about 130 people served this first event of the season, with 30 more meals delivered to community members unable to get out. It was good to see so many of our neighbors, even though we could not spend time with each of them at this point.

Dinners will continue, with a take out format only, every other Friday thru the end of March. Various churches and community organizations have signed up to continue this tradition and support our neighbors who are so important to our community.

Cranmer Chapel Free Dinners for Seasonal Employees and Community People in Winter Park

A notable example of hands-on outreach is our service of free community dinners.  In 1999, under the leadership of Joan Von der Heiden, St. John’s parishioners began serving community dinners at Cranmer Chapel to seasonal workers primarily from the Winter Park Resort, who often face isolation and economic difficulty living in a resort area so far from home. The dinners have now grown to include all who wish to participate and share in community. As of January 2018, over 24,000 dinners have been served.  Several other churches and outreach entities in the county help make this truly ecumenical ministry the success it is. We are truly grateful for these community partners as we reach out to our community.

Our Friday Night Dinners feed the hungry/needy in the Fraser Valley. Last year we averaged between 100 and 120 people per evening. Our first meal will be on Thanksgiving, November 28, and the meals will continue thereafter beginning December 6 and continue until March 27, 2020. This will be our 21st season. Most of those we serve are seasonal resort employees who earn low wages. If there is no work for them on a particular day (e.g., not enough ski lesson students, too little snow to open a lift), they may be sent home without pay. The meals are served every-other Friday, alternating with the employees’ payday.

The meals provide an opportunity for the employees to get to know each other in a warm, friendly environment, over a fresh, hot meal.The meals also provide an opportunity for the employees to meet the volunteers who serve the meals and become part of the Fraser Valley community.

St. John the Baptist Episcopal Church has coordinated the dinners since their inception, this includes providing use of the chapel. In addition, we ask organizations assisting us to contribute $300.00 for the season:

• Church of Eternal Hills,

• Lady of the Snow Catholic Church,

• Winter Park Christian Church

• Lions Club.

St. John’s provides additional funding as needed. With that money, we are able to buy the main course,e.g., chicken, ham, pork roast, and maintain our supply of cups, plates, utensils, and condiments.

Jim Magill and Gary Piper prepare the main course on Friday morning and afternoon of the dinners. Each organization provides the side dishes, carbohydrates (rolls, potatoes), and dessert. The organization also provides volunteers to help setup, serve and clean up the chapel. We begin setup at 4:00 pm, and are done by 8:00 pm.