Everything is set to go for the first free monthly supper at St. Andrew's United Church, 128 1 St. E., on Monday, Feb. 3 from 5:30 to 7 p.m.

"We pretty much have all our pieces in place, and the word is out there," says Rev. Ray Goodship.

A spaghetti dinner is being provided because it allows them to accommodate most everyone's dietary needs.

Rev. Goodship explains they'll offer both regular and gluten-free spaghetti. Sauces, meatballs, and cheese will all be served separately. They'll also be vegetarian and vegan options available.

"This made the most sense for us to be able to connect with as many people as possible."

He says they will have the capacity to serve up to 70 people for the first supper.

Connecting people is at the root of the suppers, as it is with their weekly hot lunch on Tuesdays.

"It's about community, friendship, and coming together. We have no other agenda than that. It's free because we don't want any barriers to anyone. We have a barrier-free building, and we don't want cost to be a barrier, either."

A team of eight volunteers will put on the meal.  

"I reached out to our congregation, and it was filled up by the end of the day, because this is what we do, and this is what we're keen on doing. We have a lot of people who are very excited and supportive of it."

The monthly dinners will be held on the first Monday of the month until June 1. After that, they'll assess if it is valuable and sustainable.