By Associated Press - Sunday, December 25, 2016

GATLINBURG, Tenn. (AP) - A church damaged by a wildfire in Gatlinburg continued to hold an annual dinner for those in need despite many of its members losing their homes and possessions.

The Tennessean reports (https://bit.ly/2hWM2jf ) Banner Baptist Church lost its youth building in a wildfire last month that killed 14 people and burned more than 2,400 buildings in the surrounding area. Twenty-four families in the church also lost their homes.

The church held a Christmas party for clients of a nonprofit agency that serves the developmentally disabled. And the week before Christmas, the church continued its traditional Meal for Many, a 17-year tradition offering a meal to anyone who wants to come.

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Church pastor the Rev. Pete Lamon said church members made sure the ministries would continue despite the fire.

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Information from: The Tennessean, https://www.tennessean.com

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