Breaking bread together: The Saturday Luncheon Social at St. John’s, Boonton

On the hill where Cornelia Street meets Cedar Street, behind St. John’s Church, something wonderful happens every Saturday. The parish hall kitchen hums with activity as volunteers prepare lunch for their community. Today, it’s the men’s group from St. Peter’s, Mountain Lakes trading their usual spiral ham and potatoes for hamburgers and hot dogs with all the fixings.

Steve greets everyone by name, asking about family members who couldn’t make it. Jerry serves the food with a smile. The mailman stops by during his lunch break, delivering St. John’s mail before joining the meal. For one precious hour, the parish hall buzzes with conversation, laughter, and the simple joy of sharing a meal.

This is exactly what the Saturday Luncheon Social was created for: food, fellowship, and genuine human connection, served every Saturday from noon to 1 p.m.

A Legacy of Service

The Saturday Luncheon Social began around 2000 under the leadership of the Rev. Stephanie Wethered, St. John’s first female rector. During her tenure, the Diocese of Newark named St. John’s “Church of the Year” in recognition of its community support work. Wethered’s vision extended beyond Sunday worship, establishing the Community Development Corp., an after-school program for low-income families, and the Saturday Luncheon Social—opening both kitchen and hearts to the wider community.

Originally served by a women’s group, the luncheon has evolved into a collaborative effort hosted by local church groups of different denominations. Each group brings its unique flavor of food and hospitality to the table.

Natalie, a deacon from the First Presbyterian Church of Boonton, says, “It’s our mission to serve the community. We love the cast of characters who walk through the doors.”

Helen from Mt. Zion Baptist Church enjoys the camaraderie the luncheon offers. People can arrive sad but leave with smiles on their faces. “I love cooking and serving food. I especially enjoy being called ‘Aunt Helen’ by the people enjoying the food.”

The Regulars and the Newcomers

Twenty-five years later (with only the pandemic shutdown interrupting service), familiar faces gather around the tables. There are people who have been coming for years—families and friends who live down the block or travel from surrounding areas to be part of this weekly tradition. One guest started coming by bringing a friend from a nursing home and was amazed that the friend was applauded when entering the hall. Years later, he still comes. Joe says, “It is the highlight of the week and has become dear to my heart.”

Agnes shares a similar story. Her dad would bring his friend Joe shopping, banking, and to the luncheon. She would bring him on days her dad couldn’t make it. Years later, when her dad became sick, the luncheon became her refuge and support.

All the guests we spoke to offered similar tales. They love the atmosphere of homeliness and fellowship they find here. For an hour, they relax, meet with family and friends, and enjoy a good meal. If they came in lonely, they eventually found friends. On occasion, there are four generations of families at one meal.

A Community Effort

Eight churches now participate in the program. From the Community Church of Boonton, and Good Shepherd, with the occasional guest group.  St. Peter’s men’s group might serve their beloved ham and potatoes one week, while their women’s group offers chicken parmigiana the next. The Presbyterian church delights in variety, bringing something different each time they host. Mt. Zion Baptist Church enjoys cooking and serving good food, while St. John’s treasures their opportunities to serve. All participating churches have served for over ten years. The Boonton United Methodist Church is the newest participant, serving for two years and bringing the blessing of their pastor’s small daughter to brighten the hall.

What matters most is that everyone leaves well-fed, often with extra food for later or a meal for a family member who couldn’t make it.

Challenges and Hope

Before the pandemic, the luncheon regularly served a minimum of 25 people. Now, attendance fluctuates—sometimes as few as five people join for lunch. This presents a challenge for groups who invest time, effort, and money into preparing meals. They continue showing up faithfully, ensuring leftovers find their way to those who want them.

St. John’s has reached out through conversations and social media, hoping to connect with more community members who might benefit from or enjoy this weekly gathering. St. John’s provides the location, the plates, cutlery, and accepts donations.

An Open Table

The Saturday Luncheon Social is open to everyone. You don’t have to be hungry—you might just want a place to eat with people on a Saturday afternoon. The table is set, the welcome is genuine, and the conversation flows as freely as the coffee.

Join us on any Saturday from noon to 1 p.m. And if you’re part of a group that would like to provide a meal, new volunteer groups are always welcome. After all, there’s always room for one more at the table.

Sandra Lee Schubert is a Vestry member and chair of the Communication Committee at St. John’s, Boonton.