True to my word (and the call of burgers and dogs), I visited St. Matthew’s for their first community dinner since they stopped serving weekly meals because of COVID. A lot’s happened since then.

When St. Matthew’s temporarily closed for in-person activities, they were based in a strip mall in the middle of Ozark, sandwiched between offices of the Ozark Police Department and Christian County Health Department. In September 2020, after months (years) of searching, false starts, discussions, and negotiations, St. Mathew’s moved to its new home in a shared space with Ozark Presbyterian Church.

Any un-voiced concerns that the relocation might adversely impact St. Matthew’s Community Dinner ministry, proved unfounded when over twenty guests arrived for the opening meal.

JoAnn Raine and Dennis Blevins keep the beans and other sides coming – St. Matthew’s, Ozark, Community Dinner. Image credit: Gary Allman

Lisa Barns (left) and Betty Gloyd serving up the meals – St. Matthew’s, Ozark, Community Dinner. Image credit: Gary Allman

Rob Barns (right) in charge of the grill, discussing construction work at the church with one of the guests – St. Matthew’s, Ozark, Community Dinner. Image credit: Gary Allman

Burgers and Dogs – St. Matthew’s, Ozark, Community Dinner. Image credit: Gary Allman

Grill time – St. Matthew’s, Ozark, Community Dinner. Image credit: Gary Allman

Image credit: Gary Allman

Gary Allman was the Communications Director with The Diocese of West Missouri from March 2014 through June 2023.