By Ethan Forman
DANVERS — The Northshore Unitarian Universalist Church is planning to open its doors on Christmas to anyone looking for "a real turkey dinner with all the trimmings," said the Rev. Frieda Gillespie, the church's minister.
"It's our 28th Christmas dinner with friends," Gillespie said. Last year, about 100 people showed up for the free meal.
Doors open at noon and dinner is served at 1 p.m. The meal will be served in the church's sanctuary.
"Anyone can come and eat and anyone can come and volunteer and eat," said Gillespie, who added there is a lot of work to do to serve the meal.
Henry's Market in North Beverly and members of local churches are donating the food, and a number of Danvers churches and their members are getting involved, including those from St. Mary's, Holy Trinity United Methodist, Maple Street Congregational and Calvary Episcopal.
The Rev. Gerard "Jerry" Dorgan of St. Mary's will play piano and retired minister the Rev. Peter Stine will sing Christmas music, Gillespie said.
Northshore church member Bob Cumming coordinates the meal, with help from member Bob Ferris.
As to who decorates the sanctuary?
"Angels come and do the decorations every year," Gillespie said of volunteers who bring in the poinsettias and festive tablecloths.
Temple Beth Shalom plans to provide transportation to the church at 323 Locust St. For a ride, call the administrator at Calvary Episcopal, 978-774-1150.
Staff writer Ethan Forman can be reached at 978-338-2673 or by e-mail at eforman@salemnews.com.
