Dinner on the Hill in Goulburn
Dinner on the Hill in Goulburn
11 January 2023
A painting by Leonie James of the Goulburn Corps at the top of the hill, with a golden path leading up to it, welcoming all who make their way up. “Love them, and they will come,” says Leonie.
Two months after its launch, Dinner on the Hill in Goulburn (NSW) has generated lots of visitors, conversations and tasty food.
Every Thursday night, Goulburn Corps, situated on a hill just south of the city, transforms into a cafe-style environment, with nice tables and chairs, a main course and dessert, and a Bible reading, followed by all-age conversation about how it is relevant today.
Community members enjoy a recent Thursday night Dinner on the Hill occasion at Goulburn Corps.
Seven new people have come already, some have returned, and some are inviting their friends to come.
“It’s a safe place to build relationships,” said Goulburn Corps Officer Major Tuesday McCall. “People love food, and conversations just happen.”
The corps recently conducted a survey showing that 90 per cent of people surveyed struggle with having enough food. When the corps officers took the idea to the congregation, three people said they had been praying about this very idea. They all agreed and said, “Let’s do this!”
A local community member who “doesn’t do church” has agreed to cook the meals because she sees value in what the corps is doing by responding to local needs.
Goulburn Corps Officer Major Tuesday McCall.
The corps decided on Thursday nights because it is after the local food market, so people are already at the corps. Proceeds from the food market pay for the weekly dinner.
On average, about 26 people attend the dinner. They sit where they want, and corps members make sure they feel welcome. People give an affordable donation towards the meal, but the main thing is that they come and participate.
“So many people can’t attend a Sunday service, are not comfortable in a church, or have been hurt by churches before,” Tuesday said. “We wanted to make sure it was all about safe conversations and safe relationships,”
A suggestion box is available for anonymous questions, and the corps plans to run an Alpha course next year.
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