Last Monday 45 people gathered for a pilot night of “Feed the Family”, treated with a free dinner & dessert at Dapto McDonald’s. It included 4 DAC host families with a couple of Young Adults and 5 guest families from our local community. This event was a partnership between Dave Eldridge, owner of Dapto McDonalds and Dapto Anglican Church (see the next Southern Cross).

The Staff serving us on the night were specially selected by Dave Eldridge and were some of our young adults; Amy Brown, John Batten & Sarah MacBain. Dave gathered with them praying before the evening began.

Highlights included; table service, with friendly faces to greet and serve us. Our hosts and guests enjoyed a great relaxed atmosphere and the exclusive use of the dining-room with floating balloons. Fun and laughter filled the space as the little ones, so exited at being asked to dinner, engaged with friends and the youth shared their skills in Trivial Pursuit. Some of the guests were blown away by the generosity of McDonalds and why we at DAC would want to host such an event.

There was plenty of fresh coffee (for the adults) and lots of conversation and connections were made. Lots of conversation and friendships were formed. Lots of conversation and other friendships were strengthened. By the way did I tell you that there was lots of conversation!

John Batten shared news about (soon to be launched) Breaky Club at Dapto High and the desire of DAC to partner, support, care, assist and serve the community in this way. John spoke of the generosity of businesses making this initiative possible & the existing connections of lunchtime groups within Dapto High.

There was also opportunity to inform and invite guests to upcoming events including the Men’s State of Origin Night, and the women’s DAC’s Got Talent. Some of our guests have already taken us up on our invites to other events.

Once more, a BIG thank you to Dapto McDonald’s for their generosity, support & partnership in this exciting initiative.

What’s next?
Our next dinner is already in the planning stage. So, if you have connections with families from the community and would like to host them at our “Feed the Family Dinner” Connect 09 Initiative, give the Church Office a call.

Jill Pearce
Hostess for the night