Volunteer co-ordinator Alison Armstrong said on the menu would be ham, chicken, new potatoes, peas, carrots and roast pumpkin, kumara and onion, followed by chocolate fudge pudding, meringues and fruit salad, accompanied by dollops of icecream and custard.
"Our shopping list was mind-boggling. It's just amazing how generous people have been so those in need in our community don't miss out on the chance to have a Christmas meal."
That included Pak'n Save, a local real estate agency and two parishioners collectively donating six hams. Brookfield New World supplied 40 chickens, while the Salvation Army supplied 15kg of frozen peas.
Mrs Armstrong said most of the other food items and the gifts were donated by members of the congregation, and two women from the church would be making enough meringues for everyone.
It still needed cartons of ready-made custard, she said.
Reverend McLeay said the dinner was something he personally looked forward to each year.
"It's one of the highlights of my Christmas Day and something I've been involved with since I joined the church as reverend six-and-half-years ago. It's a wonderful part of our ministry."
Reverend McLeay said no one was turned away on the day but because seating was limited dinner guests were asked to pre-register by calling the church office on 5789608.
Across town, preparations are also under way for the annual combined churches Te Puke Community Christmas Dinner in the gymnasium at the local baptist church.
OAC Ministries co-ordinator Gary Scoggins said 170-plus guests were expected to sit down for a scrumptious meal which begins at 12.30pm, thanks to community sponsors.
Mr Scoggins said the main sponsor was Te Puke New World, but a number of generous individuals in the community had also contributed food.
The Christmas feast included chicken, ham, potatoes, a range of salads, and "a nice pudding".
Mr Scoggins said three wise men would be making an appearance to deliver gifts to the children.
"We are also running an 'In the bag' competition for the adults and if anyone can donate prizes we would love to hear from you," he said.
-To donate prizes, please call Gary Scoggins on 5734258.
Feeding the masses
The 2015 St Peter's in the City Christmas Dinner Feast shopping list included:
* 6.5 hams
* 7.5 pumpkins
* 15kg of frozen peas
* 20kg of kumara
* 25kg of carrots
* 40 chickens
* 70kg of spuds
* 40L of icecream
* 200 hand-made meringues.
