First Church in Weymouth Makes Dough Rise
Italian dinner doubles donation and invites community into the church
 There's a well-known story in the Bible about feeding many with just a few loaves and fishes. At First Church in Weymouth, members have added new ingredients to the story, including some marinara sauce and a little garlic.
One of First Church's members, Daniel Kelleher, decided that he wanted to give much more than what he could afford. A business major in college, currently enrolled in the Youth Ministry Certificate Program at Andover Newton Theological School, he tried thinking of ways to grow his donation and live up to his goal of tithing. He came up with an idea to take advantage of his hobby -- cooking -- for the good of the church and the community.
Each year, Kelleher -- who is an active member of the church and sits on many committees -- spends weeks preparing and then cooking up an Italian dinner as a First Church fundraiser and outreach event. Although Kelleher cooks up most of the main course -- like soup, lasagna and raviolis from scratch -- many church members volunteer to help prepare the salads, garlic bread, and side dishes, make desserts, set up, serve, clean up, and help promote the event.
According to Kelleher, "it seems almost half the church is involved in one way or another."
The community is invited via newspaper announcements, flyers at local businesses, and notices on the local cable television station. Dinner, which is served buffet style in the fellowship hall/gymnasium, costs $10 per person with discounts for children and families. This past year brought in about 100 people despite the bad weather, while other years almost 150 attended the dinner.
"I had heard about a dinner for youth at First Church in Weymouth at the Andover Newton campus from fellow student Dan," said Sherry Thomas. "My husband and I attended without expectation but were drawn by the prospect of fine food and fellowship. We were not disappointed. Dan, with the help of other First Church members, had orchestrated for the third year an event which brought together the church members of all generations. There was a long line -- for the all-organic and carefully prepared food -- which was jolly and upbeat. As 'outsiders,' we were made to feel welcome as part of the 100+ folks who attended the dinner."
"This is a real community event," said Kelleher. "It's a nice way to 'introduce' the church -- which is celebrating its 385th anniversary -- to the neighborhood and give the town an opportunity to meet the church members. And it creates great fellowship among the members."
Although Kelleher pays for the groceries, all monies received from the ticket sales go directly to the church. Any leftovers are sent to the local firefighters in thanks for their work.
"I could just write a check for $500," said Kelleher. "But that is all the church would get. This way, the money is at least doubled -- in one year it was quadrupled -- and more importantly, the community gets to come and see what the church is all about -- and hopefully will want to return."
More info: Call (781) 335-1686 or email firstchurchwey@verizon.net
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