“Almighty and gracious Father, we give you thanks for the fruits of the earth in their season and for the labors of those who harvest them. Make us, we pray, faithful stewards of your great bounty, for the provision of our necessities and the relief of all who are in need, to the glory of your name; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.” – The Book of Common Prayer, p. 246. 

Dean Andrew McGowan, Professor Felicity Harley-McGowan, and Berkeley Center residents hosted a Thanksgiving potluck dinner for eighteen YDS students who stayed in New Haven during Thanksgiving break. Center resident Matt Ponder made a special Asian-inspired turkey, and other guests provided a side of their choosing. One of the center residents, Peyton Williams, stated that “The house was particularly warm with everyone gathered around one table. It was a joy to share in food and fellowship!” It was a wonderful evening despite students and staff being away from family, but students were grateful to form new relationships and continue to build existing ones. 

The Berkeley Center is intended to be hospitable space for both Berkeley and YDS students. From March 2020 to May 2022, the pandemic did not allow for students to gather in-person indoors. Thankfully, this fall, students and faculty welcomed the return of many beloved traditions at the Berkeley Center, such as Wednesday night dinners. The Berkeley community is grateful to continue using this space as intended – a place to learn, pray, and share meals together.