Have a little free time on your hands Saturday? Want to get to know the Ironton community a little better?<!—->.

Thursday, June 28, 2001

Have a little free time on your hands Saturday? Want to get to know the Ironton community a little better?

Then, Pine Street United Methodist Church members have an idea.

They will hold a free community dinner for one and all, churchgoer or not, in the name of fellowship this Saturday.

The idea centers around community outreach, where instead of people coming to the church the church comes to the people.

It’s open to anyone, noon to 3 p.m., and church members say they hope it will fill a need.

The church’s pastors and members felt it would be good for the community – a time for someone who needs a meal, for someone who doesn’t want to eat alone, for people to meet more neighbors, or for just fun and fellowship.

In fact, a committee of church members developed the idea at a meeting in Portsmouth while searching for new ways to not only help the community but boost community spirit.

Since several programs for senior citizens have diminished in the last couple of years, it could also benefit in that way.

The main idea, though, is for people to come for the picnic-style lunch, mingle with each other, really enjoy their community for a few hours, church members said.

Free hot dogs with homemade sauce, baked beans, potato salad, desserts and other foods will be served. Church member will be working the kitchen.

The church also hopes the unique idea goes over well this weekend, because similar dinners are planned for the last Saturday of each month.

Pine Street United Methodist is located in Ironton, at the corner of Fourth and Pine streets.