Camden — The First Congregational Church of Camden will once again host a community hot soup luncheon every Wednesday from noon to 1 p.m., beginning Oct. 31. The meal will be served in the church hall at 55 Elm St. in Camden.

The soup lunch features a choice of two homemade soups (one vegetarian), bread, dessert, and coffee or tea. Diners are often treated to musical accompaniment from a variety of local talents. There is no charge for the meal, though donations are gratefully accepted to help defray the cost of the food.

To kick off the soup season, a Soup Making 101 class will be offered at the First Congregational Church kitchen on Wednesday, Oct. 24 from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Registered dietitian Jane Bennett will lead the class on making soups that are both delicious and nutritious; attendees will then sit down to lunch, dining on the soup that is made in the class. Bennett will also address making soup in large quantities, which will be especially helpful to anyone wishing to become a soup chef for Soup’s On! If interested in attending this free class, please register by Oct. 23 with a call to Nan Smith in the church office at 236-4821.

The free lunch program was started by the Congregational Church in the fall of 2005 as a community gesture to fight the winter doldrums while providing a nutritious hot meal to those in need, those who are lonely, and for those who simply enjoy the company of others while eating.

A weekly crew of 18 volunteers served a total of 1,621 meals during the 2011-2012 season. Volunteers served as chefs, bakers, wait staff, greeters and clean-up crew. In all, some 60 people gave of their time to make the lunches a success.

The soup luncheons will run weekly through March 27, 2013. There will be no lunch on Nov. 21 or Dec. 26. Any snow day cancellations will follow the Camden area school district. Anyone and everyone — from all age groups and walks of life — is always welcome to share in the lunch or to help volunteer. For further information, please contact the Congregational Church office at 236-4821.