Cabot Church honors veterans with Thanksgiving meal
Members of the St. Luke’s Lutheran Church in Jefferson Township took time out on a chilly Saturday, Nov. 16, to honor veterans by serving them an early Thanksgiving dinner.
Ninety-seven meals were expected to be served at the church’s campus at 241 Freeport Road in the two hours the event was held. Almost all of the veterans picked up their dinners to eat at home, but 17 vets chose to eat in person.
“We started about five or six years ago,” said volunteer Brenda Fett. “We did have dine-in, then after COVID hit, we did more takeout. Now there are a few that still come for dine-in.”
St. Luke’s Lutheran Church has about 300 parishioners who come to worship each Sunday, and many of them volunteered for this event.
The menu included typical holiday fare, turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing and green beans, with pie as the offered dessert.
Turkeys were purchased by the church and the rest of the menu items were donated by members. St. Luke’s parishioners came forward knowing that spending the day making meals was minuscule compared to the sacrifices made by local veterans.
Volunteer Beth Koegler of Saxonburg, said she makes sure to advocate for veterans whenever she can, including her son.
“I have a son who is a veteran, and he served in the Iraq War. I can see from him how appreciative he is as a veteran when these things (like this) are done for them. I am a great supporter for veterans because of him. Anytime I can help with a veteran, I’ll do it. I will be there,” Koegler said.
Koegler and her son are members of the church.
Sarah Cook, a Sunday school volunteer and Leaders of the Church board member, was happy to be a part of the day.
“They’ve given so much to us by serving our country; I think that just being appreciative is the least we can do for what they offered with their service,” said Cook, of Butler.
A physician assistant, Cook also will attend the National Youth Gathering in the summer. As busy as she is, she knew how important it was to take part in the event.
“To thank them for what they sacrificed and what they were willing to do for us, it’s an honor that we can do this little bit to give back to them,” said Cook.
Fett wholeheartedly agreed.
“This day is very small compared to what they have done as a sacrifice for us and our church, that we can have the freedom that we have in our country. It’s a great way to say thank you,” said Fett.
St. Luke’s has services four times each weekend, one service Saturday night and three on Sunday. More information on the church and upcoming events can be found at www.stlukecabot.org.
