Reservations required: In its 10th year, Leechburg church serves free meals

A Leechburg church congregation is continuing their love of helping others.

A free Pot Love Dinner, offered to the public each month, has entered its tenth year at Cross Roads Community Presbyterian Church.

The meal is normally served inside the church, but due to covid-19 restrictions, the meals are currently offered as takeout.

“It will go back to a sit-down meal once the pandemic restrictions are lifted,” said co-pastor The Rev. Gary Lyon. Dinners are held the third Saturday of each month and require reservations.

Lyon said the dinner appeals to many that live alone.

“People want to be together for fellowship and food rather than eating it in their apartment or dwelling by themselves. A lot of people don’t have a community of any kind,” Lyon said.

He said the name is a play on traditional pot luck meals that churches are “notorious” for.

Participants are asked to line up outside, wear a mask and observe social distancing.

The meal is prepared by a small group of volunteers and church staff. They serve about 25 to 40 patrons monthly.

“We have senior citizens, some younger folks and generations of families that come from Leechburg, New Kensington, Apollo and other areas,” Lyon said.

This month’s menu is beef roast, potatoes, a vegetable and dessert.

“It’s all home cooking,” Lyon said.

Lyon said the need for additional volunteers is ongoing.

“Typically there are two to four persons only preparing the meal. We’re always looking for more volunteers to help prepare, serve and clean up so anyone in the community can just call the office and we’ll put you on the list,” Lyon said.

The outreach is funded through a grant of the Synod of the Trinity of the Presbyterian Church U.S.A.

“Donations are accepted and the meal is self-sustaining,” Lyon said.

Lyon said the crowd has shifted during the pandemic.