FARMINGTON – Final plans are being completed for a warming center to open Tuesday at Henderson Memorial Baptist Church on Academy Street.

A hot meal and a Christmas carol sing at 11 a.m. is the first activity planned for Tuesday. People are welcome to drop in for the warmth and fellowship.

The warming center will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays at Henderson during January, at St. Joseph’s in February and at Old South Church in March.

The menu for Tuesday includes baked chicken with gravy, mashed potatoes, mixed vegetables, wheat rolls and pears. The meal will be provided by SeniorsPlus. A suggested donation is $3, but a contribution of any size will be helpful. All donations will be given to SeniorsPlus.

In order to have enough food for all who come Tuesday, those planning to attend are asked to call the church at 778-2163 by Monday to reserve a meal, the Rev. Susan Crane said. Reservations for future warming center meals may be made at the center any day or by calling the church.

The menu for Thursday’s meal includes turkey and gravy, herbed stuffing, winter squash, wheat bread sticks and fruit.

Those who just want to drop in for awhile will find hot soup, coffee, tea and cocoa available all day. People are invited to turn their home thermostats down for a few hours to save heat and come and enjoy good food and fellowship, she said.

Transportation to the church is available through Western Maine Transportation (1-800-393-9335) or Community Concepts (779-0594). Both agencies should be called a day before transport is needed to schedule a ride, she said.

In addition to activities such as cooking, movies, knitting, a play corner for parents and children, the warming center will also offer cards and games, arts and craft supplies and puzzles. Magazines and newspapers will also be available in a reading corner.

A resource table will provide information about services, and people will be on hand to help answer questions.

The warming center is staffed by volunteers. Child care, adult day care and overnight shelter are not available.

In case of bad weather, participants should watch TV for a SeniorsPlus cancellation notice. If SeniorsPlus is canceled in Lewiston, the meal cannot be delivered. Cancellations will also be listed on WKTJ radio and on the church voice mail at 778-2163.