MADISON – The meal is free but the feeling of acceptance is mandatory.

The Madison Community Thanksgiving Dinner will return on Nov. 22 at Bob Jones High School. Inside-Out Ministries started this tradition for everyone in Madison to enjoy a free, traditional Thanksgiving meal in a friendly atmosphere in the presence of other people.

The community Thanksgiving gathering is in its eighth year.

“This dinner is provided to offer a family meal for anyone in our community who is without family for Thanksgiving or maybe isn’t able to prepare a meal due to lack of resources,” Inside-Out Director of Operations Deborah Ward said.

For a theme for the gathering, Deborah and Larry Ward at Inside-Out have chosen a scripture: “Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity.” Psalm 133

Guests can choose among four different seatings. The first dinner hour will start at 4 p.m. Then, other seatings will be offered at 5, 6 and 7 p.m.

Reservations will be available through Nov. 20. Transportation for a limited distance will be available on request by Nov. 20. For reservation information, visit inside-outministries.org.

Crews of volunteers are needed to set up, serve and take down the event. A planning meeting is scheduled for Nov. 9 at 6:30 p.m. at Inside-Out, 103 Gin Oaks Court. An all-hands meeting for volunteers is set for Nov. 21 at 6 p.m. at Bob Jones.

Groups that volunteer must have a representative attend the meetings. Individuals also can attend.

“Help us plan and share Thanksgiving with our community,” Ward said. “Signup for Food Service is limited to one shift per person. You are needed in other areas, too. Food servers are also social sitters.”

Visit signupgenius.com/go/4090d4aa8ab23a7f85-7thannual to join the event team to serve food, welcome guests, bus tables and clean up.

To-date, sponsors include Bob Jones, Little Libby’s, CrossPointe Church and Asbury United Methodist Church.

To view a video of a past dinner, visit castlightproductions.com/inside_out.