All are invited to the best free dinner in South Frederick County

Trinity Lutheran Church Parish Hall is located at 810 Fairfax Street in Stephens City’s historic district. Meals are served in house or to go from 5:30 - 7 PM. Organized in 1765 by 16 German immigrants who migrated to the Shenandoah Valley from Pennsylvania, it now worships in the sanctuary built in 1906, and is the third Lutheran worship space utilized by the congregation.

If one has read the Surgeon General’s 2023 report on America’s epidemic of loneliness and crisis of disconnection, one can then understand the significance that a community meal can have on the neighborhood at large. Meal sharing is a way to spend time with others, but more than that, it invites intimate conversations, laughter, and a spirit of togetherness. It is easy to come together in fellowship when food is involved.

Fellowship in Parish Hall is enormous as the evening dinner feeds seventy to one hundred people each month. Folks are always telling stories, sharing food, and assisting those elderly having difficulty navigating between crowded tables. Expect the Hall to be overflowing with joy, laughter, tears, friendship, and togetherness as the guest’s become community. “It is always a blessing to support our locality. The meal is about serving our neighbors near and far, as Christ has taught us to do,” Rev. Janice Marie E. (“JMe”) Lowden said.

Trinity Lutheran is passionate about reaching out to the local population. “We have found that many of our guests live alone and enjoy sharing a meal and fellowship with other visitors. We believe the fellowship is just as important as the food. Trinity received our finest compliment from a guest who informed us that we served love on a plate,” said Vickie Hollis.

At our best, this is what it means to be a church. To practice hospitality, generosity, and grace. To see Jesus Christ in one another.

2024 Trinity Lutheran Church Community Meals

February 28, 2024 Chili, Salad, Corn Bread, Hot Dogs, Dessert

March 27, 2024 Breaded Fried Fish, Broccoli, Mac & Cheese, Dessert

April 24, 2024 Ham, Green Beans, Scalloped Potatoes, Dessert

May 29, 2024 Lasagna, Garlic Bread, Salad, Dessert

June 26, 2024 Fried Chicken, Greens or Carrots, Baked Beans, Dessert

July 31, 2024 Cook Out Assorted Salads (Potatoes, etc.), Hamburgers, Hot Dogs, Dessert

August 28, 2024 Subs, Assorted Salads (Pasta, etc.), Fixings, Dessert

September 25, 2024 Manwich, Applesauce, Buns, Cole Slaw, Corn, Dessert

October 30, 2024 Meatloaf, Peas, Mashed Potatoes, Dessert

December 4, 2024 Huge Holiday Meal to include, seven roast turkey's and dressing, gravy, sweet potatoes, green beans, cranberry sauce, rolls and many delicious desserts.

The monthly dinner is always scheduled on the last Wednesday of the month.

There is never a charge for any of the Community Meals. For those who choose to donate a love offering, the funds are sent to the Lutheran World Hunger Appeal to help feed hungry people in this country and around the world.