ST CHARLES, Mo. — A St. Charles church will open their doors Wednesday night to all who are missing loved ones this Thanksgiving.
"It was super last minute," Senior Minister Matthew Ricks said." A few days ago I was just thinking about some things and my father just died a month ago. I thought it would be really nice to have a place for people to come together."
St. Charles Christian Church in St. Charles will open their doors at 5 p.m. on Wednesday giving grievers a place to go.
The church took to Facebook on Wednesday announcing they will "have turkey, a few sides and dessert. Bring what you'd like to share."
Originally, Ricks said he reached out to his immediate community about this event.
"If we have five people that's fine." Ricks said, "The more I drove around other communities I just know there has to be people who are lonely and grieving like me and just need somewhere to go to be encouraged and supported."
His ministry takes him into hospitals and nursing homes where he meets people who are alone. When Rick is not working for the church, he works as an Uber driver. During that ministry, he meets a lot of people who also have no one.
"This is not a come to our church kind of event. We will absolutely make room for anyone who comes. All are welcome here," said Ricks.
Every year Ricks would spend Thanksgiving with his dad and stepmom in Virginia. Ricks lived near his dad for 15 years. He recently moved into the St. Charles area with his wife and daughters in 2022.
"I haven't made many friends since coming here."
Ricks said he wants to stay home.
"I'm really hurting this year. I know better and that I need people."
Ricks said his faith tells him to be there for those who are hurting, sick and lonely.
If you are interested in attending this event and you need transportation, please contact Ricks at matthew@stcharleschristianchurch.org.
