In a beautiful return to tradition, community members gathered at the Vermilion Senior Centre on November 1 for the First United Church All Saints Day Fall Supper; drawing a warm crowd eager to enjoy a shared meal, connect with friends, and honour a spirit of remembrance.
Emcee Peter Walsh kicked off the evening, extending a heartfelt welcome to the attendees. He then passed the microphone to Reverend Carolyn Woodall, who opened with a blessing and a reminder of the evening’s significance.
“Welcome everyone to this Fall Supper. It is nice to once again be able to enjoy a delicious meal prepared by our church members,” Walsh greeted the crowd. His words resonated deeply with guests, many of whom expressed joy at the opportunity to gather in person once more.
Reverend Woodall continued by explaining the connection between the supper and the Feast of the Saints as the supper was held on the same date this year. November 1 is a date where Western Christianity celebrates ‘All Saints Day’ [All Saints’ Day, also known as All Hallows’ Day, the Feast of All Saints, the Feast of All Hallows, the Solemnity of All Saints, and Hallowmas, is a Christian Solemnity celebrated in honour of all the Saints of the Church, whether they are known or unknown].
The day also honours the faithful departed and recognizes the enduring bond between those on Earth and those who have passed on.
“Let us celebrate those who have passed on before us, reminisce on memories of them, and keep them close as we journey through life on this plane,” she said, evoking a powerful sense of unity and reverence. She then blessed the meal, which had been lovingly prepared by church members and volunteers.
The supper featured a delicious spread of roast beef, mashed potatoes, carrots, corn, coleslaw, and a variety of salads, including a taco-based salad and a unique deconstructed egg roll-type dish. Attendees could also choose from a tempting array of desserts, with options thoughtfully provided for both regular and gluten- and dairy-free diets. Each dish was a testament to the generosity and care of the community, with ingredients donated and prepared by church members and volunteers.
Following the blessing, Walsh guided each table in turn to the buffet, ensuring an organized flow as guests filled their plates. A lively silent auction ran throughout the evening, featuring items donated by supporters. The auction drew eager bids and added an extra touch of excitement to the event.
As the night went on, the hall was filled with the hum of friendly conversations, laughter, and a true sense of togetherness. The First United Church All Saints Day Fall Supper proved to be not only a chance to savour a hearty meal but also an opportunity for the community to reconnect, remember, and share in the warmth of camaraderie—a wonderful start to a new season of gatherings.
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