The Times - Serving Waitsburg, Dayton and the Touchet Valley

DAYTON - What would you do with an extra day? The members of Dayton's First Congregational Church decided they would use it to provide care, comfort and hot food to the community.

So on February 29, 2012, Pastor Marj Johnston and her congregation provided their first free community soup and bread dinner.

"It was meant to be a simple meal," Johnston said. "A safe place and a good, hot meal. We wanted to create a place of welcome at a time of year when people tend to be isolated."

Dozens of people, including a large number of church members, attended that first meal. And the church has stuck with the idea. They provided the meal a few times that spring, and then again in the winter - on the last Friday of each month.

"Darker days are harder for folk," Johnston said. "Especially at the end of the month, when resources grow meager."

This year, Dayton resident and Walla Walla Community College honor student Luci Berg has stepped in as lead organizer of the dinner. Berg, a 2004 Dayton High School graduate, grew up in the Congregational Church and now hopes to spend her life helping people.

"We really needed some- one to take on the commu- nity dinners this year," John- ston said. "And Luci decided to volunteer and make the meals her Capstone Project for school."

The name, Ladles of Love, was Berg's idea. And she has added other touches to the event. At the door, people may donate money for the church to give as needed to families or indi- viduals in the community. And attendees may also do- nate to, or take from, a col- lection of winter items such as coats, hats, gloves and scarves.

Berg says she is loving the experience. In October, close to 45 people attended the free dinner. Each month members of the church sign up to make or donate soups, breads, crackers, cookies and drinks. And often if someone makes soup, they'll show up at the meal to help serve it, Berg said.

At Berg's suggestion, the dinner was also increased to a two-hour event. "People really like to stay and have more than one bowl of soup, visit, and enjoy sharing a meal," she said.

Ladles of Love will con- tinue throughout the winter months, always on the last Friday of each month. All community members are invited. For more information, contact Berg or Johnston at (509) 382-2471.

Other First Congrega- tional Church events coming up include:

Christmas Craft Bazaar and Lunch - $5 deli sandwich meal, after church on December 8.

Breakfast with Santa, 8-11 a.m., December 14 - pancakes, scrambled eggs, sausage, and juice for children and families.

Also:

Blue Christmas Service at Grace Episcopal Church, 301 S. 3rd St., 7 p.m. on December 22 - a time to recognize that Christmas is not always a joyful season for all, share in a quiet moment of prayer, poetry and candlelight for those in grief and enduring hardship this holiday.