Our Mission

The Banquet is a multi-generational, family-friendly ministry, that feeds the body, mind, and soul. We seek to provide a place where all are welcome to share and enjoy a free meal together. We are geared toward serving:

  • Low income individuals and families
  • Senior citizens
  • Single parents and their children
  • Hurting and broken people
  • The homeless
  • Those seeking fellowship
  • All are welcome

The Banquet endeavors to work with local churches and organizations to serve people of all denominations and all walks of life. In addition to a warm meal in a loving atmosphere, multiple Christian organizations offer pastoral care if desired. We also offer referrals to community-based services for financial, social, and physical well-being.

Our History

Under the guidance of Pastor Steve Sathre and the coordination and marketing efforts of our first Banquet Director, Rosemarie (Tudy) Fennern, The Banquet was birthed in the spring of 2005. Like a child, The Banquet has grown and matured over the years from serving less than 100 people on Thursday evenings to serving more than 1,000 at four weekly meals. This growth has come due to the efforts of Pastor Steve, current Banquet Director Karla Eisenbeisz, many people at Trinity Lutheran Church, as well as, the support of many other churches, businesses, organizations and individuals in the community.

Our Future

A new, larger location is needed to meet growing demand for the program and increasing needs in our community. As a result, in April 2022, The Banquet will be moving to the new nonprofit Dream Center Bismarck, currently under construction at 1805 Park Avenue in south Bismarck, strategically located in the highest-need area of Bismarck and easily accessible to the people we will serve.

The Banquet's larger space at the new Dream Center will enable us to seat up to 250 people at a time (clearing and reseating as needed), and serve meals 7 days a week as well as holidays. Once fully operational at the Dream Center, we anticipate the Banquet will serve 2,000 meals each week and more than 70,000 meals the first year.

(While partners, The Banquet and Dream Center Bismarck are separate, nonprofit entities.)