McKillop Church supper much more than a meal

By Lethbridge Herald on November 13, 2025.

Joe Manio
Lethbridge Herald
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Everyone has a place at the table and by 5:20 p.m. Tuesday evening, a substantial supper crowd had gathered at McKillop United Church on the South Side, visiting and conversing at their tables while waiting for the dinner to be served at McKillop’s weekly community supper.

The conversations were as varied as the people gathered. Where did you go for Remembrance Day? This weather! How’s work going? And of course talk of family, friends, grandchildren…and during all these conversations not a single person was on their cell phones.

Most of the guests were from McKillop’s congregation, their families, friends, but people from the neighborhood were also invited. In fact anyone from the Lethbridge community is welcome at McKillop’s table.

“What I really appreciate is just the diversity of folks that come…folks that are from the neighborhood, friends or friends,” says Sacred Relationships Facilitator Mike Rose. “What I love is that people come and they visit with each other and you’re starting to see community form week after week.” 

When the community supper started back in September, an estimated 20 or more guests dined. Last week the number was over 60 and on Tuesday a record 80 guests attended. What Pastor Trevor Potter calls an “experiment” has been both well-received and successful.

“It sort of came out of the vision of the church ‘living sacred relationships,’” says Potter. “How do we help our community thrive and help create community? And you know, the world’s getting so divided now; so how do people sit down and talk and eat? And that’s how it all sort of got going.” 

Tuesday’s community supper wasn’t just another community meal, but another well-prepared and well-thought-out inclusive meal, keeping in mind guests who need gluten-free, dairy free or vegetarian fare. 

The supper that night had a Mexican theme and was prepared with both love and great care by Pastor Trevor (who his team describes as a “wiz in the kitchen”) and a team of dedicated volunteer cooks.

“It also started with the whole United Church of Canada theme on the 100th anniversary, and the theme is everybody whoever you are, you’re welcome at the table,” says Potter.

To mark its 100th anniversary on June 10, 2025, The United Church of Canada (UCC) launched 100 Tables, a national initiative inviting its congregations across Canada to transform a picnic table into a site of welcoming, reflecting the Church’s century-long commitment to live out God’s call to love and serve. 

Rooted in faith and shaped by the unique needs of each of their communities, these gatherings go beyond simply food or information sharing; but offer interactive and meaningful experiences that address local concerns while celebrating what it means to belong because everyone has a place at the table.

“Don’t you think when you have good food, it just opens you up to be in conversation and get to know people?” says Potter.”

Gatherings like McKillop’s community supper are intended to serve a role similar to the evening family meal but on a larger scale, providing a place to connect and communicate while celebrating what it means to belong—to have a Place at the Table.

The next community supper will be at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 18 at the church. Supper is free, although donations are gladly accepted. Ability to pay is not a consideration for inclusion.

“If you can and want to donate, it’s great. If you can’t pay, you can’t,” says Potter. 

The UCC is the largest Protestant denomination in Canada. Since its inception, the church has been the first for many milestones as the first mainstream church in Canada to ordain women and 2SLGBTQIA+ peoples. 

The church is committed to reconciliation and Indigenous justice and to becoming an anti-racist church. Both McKillop United and Southminster United Church are known for their inclusivity, and are officially designated as “Affirming Ministries” by the UCC.