Thanksgiving is a time to pause and be grateful for loved ones as well as material blessings. One local church is using the holiday to serve the community.

Verbena Baptist Church will serve Thanksgiving dinner on Nov. 26 from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. in the church fellowship hall.

Pastor Tony Christensen said he expects a big turnout on Turkey Day.

“We’re hoping to do more than 200. We’re ready for that many,” Christensen said. “We just don’t think anyone should do without a Thanksgiving meal.”

The menu includes all the traditional dishes — turkey, dressing, green beans, cranberry sauce, bread and homemade desserts. The meal is free and open to the public.

Fifty or more volunteers will help with food preparation, cooking, serving and delivery to shut-ins. All food is being donated.

This will be the church’s third year to serve a Thanksgiving meal.

“It seems to be growing every year,” Christensen said. “Hopefully this year will be the year it really takes off.”

For more information, call Verbena Baptist Church at 755-1725. The church is located at 197 County Road 500.