We live in a transient age. Few people today live in the same town where they were born, or where they went to school or college. Family and friends are often in other towns, states, or even other countries. When people move into a new area, lives are so busy that it's hard to connect with other people.

"It's almost Christmas," says Josh Ames, pastor of Brookside Church, "and the area agencies and organizations do a wonderful job of getting food into the hands of those who need it this time of year, but for some people, it's not a lack of food that is the dilemma. With gas prices over three dollars a gallon, many people are choosing not to make the trips home to family or friends they once would have. And as a result, many people may well be having Christmas home alone this year."

It is with that in mind that Brookside Church and merchants of Hawley have planned a Community Dinner to be served on Christmas Day at the Hawley Ambulance Building. This is an excellent opportunity to reclaim some community spirit and get to know others who live in the area instead of staying home and having Christmas alone.

The dinner is free to anyone who is unable to spend this holiday with their family and friends. To add their own special touch, those who choose to attend can bring a dessert (and maybe its recipe) to share.

In order to have enough food and seating planned, RSVPs are necessary. Simply go online to www.brooksidechurchpa.com and follow the links for the Christmas Dinner. You can also call Pastor Josh at 228-9889 or call Rae Ellen Finan at 226-2650. Please RSVP to attend, donate, or volunteer by Saturday, Dec. 15.

Brookside Church would like to thank those who have already promised donations for this event: The Hawley Ambulance Company, Wal-mart, Sunshine Daycare, Faith Christian Outreach Center, Youth Bowling League, Torte Knox, and the Girl Scouts.