The first responders and the Department of Public Works people are always, day and night, taking care of us.”

The Rev. Jennifer Pedrick

PORTSMOUTH —  Because they were on duty Sunday night, Lt. Allen Levesque and firefighter Greg Carcieri of the Portsmouth Fire Department couldn’t stay for the special dinner that St. Mary’s Episcopal Church cooked up for first responders.

No worries. The church had take-out meals ready to go.

While the snow was falling outside their parish hall, church members hosted a “Love Your Neighbor” community dinner honoring firefighters, police officers, members of the Department of Public Works and their families. 

The Rev. Jennifer Pedrick, the church’s rector, said the event was a way to thank the men and women who already give so much to the community. The idea sprouted when she won a drawing at a ministry fair for $250 in seed money from Thrivent Financial to start an “action team” working toward a good cause.

“Jesus talks a lot about loving your neighbor — not just in feeling, but in action,” said Rector Pedrick. “I thought, we’re really good at hospitality here. The first responders and the Department of Public Works people are always, day and night, taking care of us. We thought it would be a nice way to reach out to them and their families who probably sacrifice a lot on days like this.”

Parishioner Judy Hall, like many other local residents, said she’s personally grateful for the service of first responders. They once came to her home regarding a medical emergency involving her daughter, she said.

“They were amazingly professional,” said Ms. Hall, who was busy greeting attendees and doling out takeout meals Sunday. “They invited me to ride with them in the ambulance. They were incredible. Everything was fine and she got it all worked out.”

Sunday night’s dinner served another purpose, according to Rector Pedrick.

“We’ve been talking about ways to reach out to the wider community. We want to open this beautiful property to everyone, whether you’re a member of this church or not,” she said.

Besides the many church volunteers who whipped up a homemade spaghetti dinner, local businesses donated raffle items that were given away for free to first responders. Among the many gifts were a $100 Clements’ Marketplace gift certificate donated by Century 21 Real Estate, gift certificates to Sydneys’ Salon, a wine tasting at Greenvale Vineyards and even a free spring weeding donated by Deb Timby.

Volunteers also prepared baked goods and decorated the hall in a Valentine’s Day theme. To kick things off, parishioner Sara Barker led a free dance lesson before the meal.

“It’s been a huge community effort,” said Rector Pedrick, who thanked first responders and their families during a prayer before the meal.

‘Truly humbled’

DPW workers were among the 145 invited, Rector Pedrick said, because Fire Chief Michael Cranson had told her, “without them, we can’t do our jobs.” Since it was a snowy night, however, few DPW workers could make the dinner as they were out plowing.

Chief Cranson, who came with his wife, Haley, said he and the other first responders were “truly humbled” by the outpouring of support.

“I echo Rev. Pedrick’s sentiment that our families, our spouses, our significant others and our parents truly support us and allow us to do the work that we do,” he said. “Often times we’re recognized, but they’re certainly the strength behind what we do.”