JOSEPH — The wildly popular Monday Night Community dinners will return on Monday, Feb. 17, at The Place, on the campus of the Joseph United Methodist Church at 301 S. Lake St.

Thanks to the dedication of the church, the commitment of community sponsors and the generosity of the Oregon Community Foundation, dinners are open to all at no charge.

The dinners will be held every Monday through April 28 from 5-7 p.m.

The Monday Night Community Dinners began last year. Rev. Beth Estock, pastor of the Joseph United Methodist Church, said that the church leadership surveyed community organizations in Wallowa County and heard a recurring theme: a concern about food insecurity and the feeling of isolation and loneliness experienced by many community members.

“We are really good at fellowship,” Estock said.

Community dinners were created to provide “a sense of true belonging, kindness and great conversation for all who attend.” A collaboration of talented chefs, willing volunteers and local financial support resulted in success. The first Monday Night Community Dinner in 2024 opened its doors hoping for 75 diners — and 100 showed up. Throughout the winter and spring, attendance grew to 225.

The 2025 menu will feature dinners prepared by local chefs, including Hilary Valentine (Winding Waters River Expedition), John of Slack, Adele Nash (6 Ranch), Randy and Liz Garnett (Appleflat Catering), Ross Effinger and JoMarie Pitino (M. Crow), Kelsey Juve (Terminal Gravity and beyond), David Lovegren (Wallowa Lake United Methodist Camp). Craig Pesti-Strobel is the coordinator of meals and chefs and will also cook a meal or two.

“Absolutely no one will ever be turned away,” Pesti-Strobel said. “It is an open invitation to everyone in the area. This is local folks taking care of one another and having a great time doing it.”

To volunteer or participate, email the church at office@josephumc.org or call 541-432-3102.