St. Matt’s (as they affectionately call themselves) has a long history of serving the local community in Ozark with weekly community dinners, stretching back over ten years. “We served about 170 guests and 115 members total in the first six weeks of 2020,” said Fr. Chandler Jackson, Priest in Charge, “that’s about 30 guests and about 18 members each week. In 2019, according to the annual report, we served a total of 2,275 for the year.”
COVID-19 put a temporary hold on their community dinners.
With COVID-19 restrictions lifting, St. Matt’s are restarting their dinners on June 23 with an old-fashioned picnic. “We will have grilled hamburgers and hotdogs with all the usual sides. We are also trying to get some musical entertainment for that evening,” said Fr. Chandler. Dinner will be served at around 5 p.m. and will be followed by Evening Prayer for anyone who would like to join them.
St. Matt’s relocated from central Ozark in October 2020 and is now sharing facilities with Ozark Presbyterian Church. The picnic will be held at the church on the south lawn (or inside if the weather fails to cooperate).
The menu for the next few weeks is as follows:
- June 30 – Baked spaghetti and meatballs
- July 7 – BBQ Chicken
- July 14 – Mac and Cheese
- July 21 – Breakfast for Dinner
- July 28 – Chilli
All meals are served with appropriate sides and beverages.
St. Matthew’s is located at 1932 E Highway 14 in Ozark. The meals are held downstairs (access from the south side of the building), and all are invited.