Back in 2010, a few members of the Episcopal Church of the Resurrection in Centerville began a tradition – serving a hot meal to any members of the community who wished to attend. That first year, about 20 people on average gathered for the monthly dinners.

Since that humble beginning, the free Community Dinners have been held at ECOR on the third Wednesday of every month. With the exception of a three-year hiatus during COVID, volunteers and community donors have served over 150 meals each month. From the start, Greg Putz, a member of the church’s congregation, has helped lead the effort.

On June 17, Putz and his wife Susie, who faithfully coordinate the dinners, were honored for their efforts. Dinner that night included spaghetti and meatballs, salad, rolls, peaches, green beans and desserts, and lots of memories shared by the 150 people fed.

“I really believe that this dinner is one of the most important things that happens in Davis County every month,” said Rev. Dr. Shannon Burke, who leads ECOR. “It's the way it builds community, the way it brings people together from different social economic backgrounds, from different faith traditions, and from different orientations. We come together and sit across the table from each other and break bread. That helps build a community which is really struggling in some ways post pandemic.”

Rev. Burke said she’s never seen a dinner “of this magnitude happen on a regular basis. It’s incredibly unique.” 

Putz was praised and called a servant – a true leader. Rev. Burke told those at the dinner that “he’s quietly working at the church most days of the week, hosting meetings in the library, gathering donations and organizing materials. Everything is prepared and done well in advance of these dinners. It’s almost like an orchestra and he is the conductor.”

Putz works with various religious denominations each month as part of an interfaith project, including ECOR of course, along with St. Olaf’s Catholic Church, First Baptist Church, the Bountiful Community Church and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. 

Ron Burt, representing the Utah Area North Communications Council from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, praised the Putz’ for their efforts.

“We’re grateful that Greg and Susie had and have the stamina to start this back up again as they did three years ago after COVID,” he said. “This dinner tonight is hosted by the Bountiful Heights Stake, and we’re delighted to have the Rt. Rev. Phyllis A. Spiegel, 12th Bishop of Utah for the Episcopal Church; and Father Andrzej, Pastor at St. Olaf’s, with us here tonight. We’re so grateful for all the volunteers, the things that go on behind the scenes month after month, and the businesses that donate food for these dinners.”

Greg Putz also received a plaque with a proclamation, thanking him for his work over the past 16 years and those 150-plus dinners. He said the numbers of attendees has continued to grow, from 1,500 meals three years ago to over 2,200 meals served last year.

“It’s simple,” he said. “We want to provide both food and fellowship to our community. We want to fill people’s stomachs and feed their souls.”