On Nov. 17, 2024, the Blythe Central and Blythe SDA churches, hosted their second annual Thanksgiving Community Lunch. The event originated by Joshua Lopez, former district pastor in 2023, was a way for the churches to love and serve their community.
Service is part of the rhythm at Blythe Central; every other Sunday they open for community showers, clothes, and food distribution. Rather than inviting the community to their campus, this occasion was focused on bringing the event to them in Todd Park. Tables and chairs were donated by a local city resident who heard about the event and wanted to support the work of the church. Decorations were hung, a speaker system was set up, and for six hours, people poured through the park to enjoy food, fun, and fellowship.
Why the park? Gabriel Riojas, district pastor, explained, “we want to be in the community. We’re here to serve you, you don’t have to come to us to be served.” Riojas led out in a short devotional service and members of the community and church stepped up to lead an impromptu music set for the next hour.
The gathering was more than just a social event. Esmeralda Velasco, the Thanksgiving Community Lunch event coordinator, opened the doors of service inviting members to cook either at the church or home. Her husband, David Velasco, elder of Blythe Central, drove around town that day and provided rides for the unsheltered members of the community so they could participate in the festivities. Councilwoman Summer Spraggins also attended the event and helped serve food as church members took the initiative to sit down at tables and create bonds to plant seeds through conversation, food, and tract distribution. Meals were packaged and distributed around town to those unable to attend.
Renay Sandoval, a young adult at the Blythe church and then mom of a two-month old, just knew she had to be involved. Baptized in 2023, Sandoval signed up to help as soon as she heard about the call. “I feel like God is already moving in this town. The Holy Spirit is here. I love how God is bringing everyone together, members and the community. God is good!”