Can I interest you in a tasty dinner of freshly cooked Maine lobster?

What if it was served al fresco among good friends in the streets of beautiful downtown Natchez?

What if there was live music to entertain you and activities for your kids and grandkids to enjoy as well?

What if I told you that all this could be had for a reasonable price and that all the proceeds would go to support outreach ministry?

Well, if you’re thinking this is too good to be true, think again. I’d like to officially invite all of you this Memorial Day weekend to Trinity Episcopal Church’s first annual “Claws for a Cause” outreach fundraiser.

On Sunday, May 24, from 4 to 8 p.m., we’ll be throwing a lobster-dinner block party in front of our church on South Commerce Street.

There will, in fact, be delicious food and drink, a stage with live music and guests, and fun activities for the kids.

Tickets for a lobster dinner with sides are only $40. Also, BBQ chicken plates are available for $20, and a kids’ meal (hamburgers and hot dogs) will be just $10.

In an effort to focus on serving those in need outside the walls of Trinity Church, we’re literally taking to the streets to support outreach ministry. Thus all proceeds from this fundraiser will be evenly split between two ministries that work with special needs individuals: Pleasant Acre Day School and The Damascus Endowment for Special Session at Camp Bratton Green.

Founded in 1959, Pleasant Acre Day School provides life skills training and life enrichment to special needs adults in our community. The impact that this day school has had on special needs individuals and their families is incalculable. Trinity Church would like to give thanks for Pleasant Acre’s many years of ministry and support this wonderful school’s future.

The Damascus Endowment was founded to provide scholarships for special needs individuals to attend Camp Bratton Green.

Located just north of Canton, our diocesan camp has ministered to hundreds of special needs individuals from all over Mississippi for nearly 50 years. Each summer, there are two weeklong sessions for adult campers to enjoy.

Not only has this wonderful camp changed the lives of hundreds of special campers, it has also provided opportunities for many generations of counselors to learn servant ministry.

Scores of teen and college volunteers have found their way into the field of special education and ordained ministry thanks to their time with these wonderful campers.

We’re eager to share this wonderful event with all of you and to come together to support these important ministries. If you’re unable to come, feel free to buy tickets and pick up your food at our convenient drive-through. If you have any questions about the event, please call Ann at our church office, 601-445-8432.

Tickets can be purchased over the phone, from Trinity Church members, and on our church website,  trinitynatchez.org/lobster. Please plan to join us.

The Rev. Walton W. Jones is rector of Trinity Episcopal Church in Natchez.