Churches in Gloucester and Mathews counties opened their doors, and their hearts, last Thursday to put on a Thanksgiving meal for the community. Kingston Episcopal Parish, photo above, hosted the Mathews Community Thanksgiving Dinner, an event also sponsored by Antioch Baptist, Francis de Sales Roman Catholic, Macedonia Baptist, Salem United Methodist and Westville Baptist churches. According to Vicki Carter, the group served approximately 125-130 takeout meals, while another 150-175 dined at the parish. Although numbers were up significantly from past years, "we all seemed to have enough" food to go around, Carter said. Serving the traditional turkey and ham dinner were, from left, Carol Swartz, Barbara Geddes, Helen Shackleford, Paul Bing, Mynette Matvey, Gay Butler and, not pictured, Barbara Ellis. Meanwhile, in photo at right, Abingdon Episcopal Church, White Marsh, held its 16th annual Community Thanksgiving Dinner. According to a spokesperson, over 100 meals were served at the church on Route 17, another 52 were delivered to Meals on Wheels recipients and 17 "care packages" went home with families. At right, little Pilgrims Jennifer, left, and Jessica Herman served beverages to the guests. Photos by Charlie Koenig.

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