Fellowship in Austin

One of many delicious
salads at the meal

Initial luncheon another fellowship opportunity

Lori Amick is the kind of person every organization wants - energetic, hard-working, diligent, humble and organized. So it's no surprise to church members at Christ Church - The Episocopal Church in Austin, Minnesota that Thursday's (July 11) Salad Luncheon came to fruition.


She's the one who ran with the idea.


Although the  church is more popularly known for its fall Sauerkraut/Pork Chop Dinner, it also is one of most active churches as far as community fellowship fundraisers/free meal opportunities. There goal is to have a monthly event serving people of the community.


For 14 years they have done an Easter Dinner, every third Saturday of the month is Free Community Dinner, September hopes to start a "Soul Food" meal, the Mystery Dinner is in November, Wine Tasting happens in December.


All those events happen with a church with about 50 families, but one that is faithful and active in God's message to serve people.


"I just like doing this," the lifelong church member said. "I enjoy being involved and helping people. Our congregation might be small, but they are very active. They step up and help at a moment's notice, otherwise all these events wouldn't be possible."


Lori's buoyant disposition allowed the first ever salad luncheon to draw a little over 100 people for it's first time - but the plans are in the works to see that number at double next year. No doubt that will happen if Lori, and co-chairperson Judy Bjorndal, are at the helm. Both truly loved working out the details and spreading the work - as well as sharing in much of it - for Thursday's meal.


"We do this to be active and to get our name out there as well," said Judy. "Everyone loves salads," added Lori. "It's so much fun to see what salads people bring to these kind of events."


She's right in that regard. As an added touch, each salad was named - some with more 'flavor' than others, but nonetheless descriptive. My favorite was the 'Frog-Eyed Salad" or "Moracan Tuna Salad". Next year they plan on having recipe cards for the salads brought to be purchased for a nominal price - a great idea and one that people won't have to buy an entire cookbook to get!

Kitchen help - Front row: Amanda Amick, Mary Moritz, Lillian Flynn,
Char Plantikow. Back row: Bruce Jordan, Lloyd Amick,
Lori Amick, Judy Bjorndal

Lori brought five salads herself, "I don't cook this much at home" she laughed, but obviously loving the opportunity to serve her fellow man. "Come on, salads aren't that hard to make and everyone can make one, so I thought, let's try it." She made her salads in the church kitchen, mainly because any dirty dish could be cleaned in 90 seconds in the commercial dishwasher on hand. Who wouldn't want one of them in their kitchen?


Twelve women helped out and 17 total salads came in. There were a few tasty leftovers, but at is a lesson learned on how much to fix next time. "Next year I'll work a little harder at advertising," Lori quipped. With it fair season, she's busy as a 4-H leader, along with mom, employee at Mower County Housing Authority (with along with her job is putting out a newsletter) and all sorts of other summer happenings. She brought two pans of pumpkin bars as well. It's also a family affair: husband Lloyd makes the coffee and runs the dishwasher; son Tyler is more involved with the pork chop dinner; daughter Amanda worked the kitchen as well Thursday.


Rev. Catherine Lemons was duly impressed by the luncheon, but also values her co-chairs and their willingness to serve. "I just started here in December and just missed the pork chop dinner, but after seeing these ladies put this together, I can hardly wait til then."


The free weekend meal is open to anyone - the Salvation Army holds one during the week. "We were hoping other churches would join in and offer one as well, but they haven't. The best reason I can give to why I do this is after meeting a man who came to our Easter dinner. He was going through town and heard about the meal. He came up to me and said afterward, that he wouldn't have ate it wasn't for this free meal. Not all who come are necessarily poor, but those that eat alone. No one should eat alone on Easter."


The ham dinner is no slouch. It has ham, au gratin potatoes, corn pudding bake (made by son Tyler), carrots in brown sugar sauce, salads and desserts. It's a hearty meal for attendees.

The first Episcopal Church in Austin
currently sits at the Mower County
Fairgrounds.

The Sauerkraut/Pork Chop dinner will be it's 76th effort this fall. It's a daunting achievement: 900 pounds of sauerkraut, pork chops enough for 600, chicken hot dish for another main entree, mashed ptatoes (used to be peeled and cooked, but now instant), an assortment of pies. "I've worked that one for 20 years and co-chaired now for five years. That one gets more than 30 people helping out." Half of the 900 pounds of sauerkraut are sold by the bag at the event. "We use an electric shredder for most but we still do a fair amount by hand. It takes 30 of us to get it done."


They start in September cutting cabbage and letting it ferment until ready to be prepared for the October event, this year earlier on October 8. "There's an older woman from our church who still wants to help out, despite her arthritic hands," explained Lori. "She pinches the greatest crusts, better than anyone I know. She tried to teach me but I just don't get it - have to start all over. Everyone pitches in as they can, from 16 to 90."

Lillian Flynn chaired the event close to 50 years before giving it up to Lori. Her historical aspect is kept in the 'Green Sauerkraut Bible', a green folder storing past dinner information.


The Episcopal church is nestled in the middle of Austin and with its beautiful limestone exterior and well-kept landscaping makes it very inviting to all. Once inside, it's beauty continues into the small, but quaint faith area, adorned with the most beautiful stained-glass windows. Started in 1862, this building is the second church. The original was moved to the Mower County fairgrounds years ago and is part of the historical aspect the grounds. But it's what's inside the church - the congregation - that has kept its presence alive in Austin.


With the help of the likes of Lori Amick, it will stay alive for many generations to come.



 Here is a great recipe to share of Lori's from the luncheon:


Buttermilk-Blue Cheese Red Cabbage Slaw
1/4 cup Mayonnaise
1/4 cup buttermilk
1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese
1 1/2 TBSP Dijon mustard
2 tsp. white wine vinegar
1 1/2 tsp. celery salt
1 medium head red cabbage, finely shredded
2 medium carrots, shredded
4 green onions, thinly sliced


Combine mayo, buttermilk, blue cheese, mustard, vinegar and celery salt in large bowl with wire whisk (or combine in food processor and process until smooth). Season, if desired, with salt or pepper. Stir in cabbage, carrots and onions. Cover and refrigerate at least 30 minutes.


Future events:
Sacred Heart Salad Luncheon, Hayfield: Tuesday, July 17, 11-1
St. Augustine's Church Salad Luncheon, Austin; Thursday, Jul 19, 11:30-1
St. Mary's Episcopal Church Corn and Pig Roast, Basswood Grove (south of Hastings), August 20, 4-8