Hamming it up in Goodhue

As hungry souls were lining up in the church basement, Council of Catholic Women (CCW) women were scrambling to find working outlets, as they temporarily lost power as the annual Ham Dinner was drawing in patrons in Goodhue's Holy Trinity Catholic Church.

Goodhue is a small, but vibrant community in Goodhue County, situated off Hwy. 58 in some of the best farm land in the state. It's obvious residents are proud of their rural heritage and enjoy their peaceful surroundings.

It was another reminder of the power of Mother Nature, as plows cleared driveways and roads drifted over outside after last Thursday's one-two punch of snow and wind. Although they never considered canceling the event, too many electrical cooking pots almost did them in!But in the end, another successful dinner was served to over 180 people, which included succulent scalloped potatoes with that ham, an assortment of salads and desserts - all handmade - and lots of smiles and helpful hands. Most remember the event has stayed pretty much the same over the 40-plus years, with maybe a slight change in the date due to wrestling tournaments at the local high school or working around President's Day.


"We might have mixed it up over the years and had chili and craft fairs, but we've decided the ham dinner brings in more people," said Judy Lodemeier, one of three chairpeople, with Terry Buck and Diane Opsahl. It was Judy locating alternate outlets to plug in crock pots of scalloped potatoes and warming ham, with a couple landing upstairs in a community room next to the altar.

Don's Grocery just off Hwy. 56 provides the ham and scalloped potatoes and most likely ingredients for most of the donated salads and desserts. It takes quite a few volunteers to cut up the 110 pounds of hams, 12 assorted desserts, 10 fruit salads and 12 salads. About 80 families make up the small church, located pretty much smack dab in the middle of town. Like any other structure in town on this Sunday, February 23, it's hard to manuever around the stockpiles of snow - some higher than 17 feet. It's not unusual to see mailboxes buried into snowbanks with only their front-opening doors visible. And just try meeting a car coming from the opposite direction in an alley - not a good idea. But it didn't hamper the opportunity for a warm meal and catchup time with friends and family in a church basement.

"They predicted the weather would be better by today,"Terry sighed with relief. Postponing would be tough to reschedule and what to do with all the food? Five years ago we got a lot of snow too, and we thought, 'Oh boy,' will anyone come? It probably was one of our more successful ones."

Amongst the hardy able-bodied customers, about 20 people ordered takeouts as well. Any extras are either divied up or people can buy at free-will prices as well. It's all well and interesting to sit snug in the basement eating, where glancing upward you can study the confirmation classes over the years make their individual mark on their church journey on ceiling tiles. (See picture below)

Terry has tried to modernized the CCW at Holy Trinity, hoping to get new faces to join in the volunteer events at the church. Sometimes it works, sometimes not, but all three chairmen keep trying. About 12 volunteer on the day, but 34 women donate food.

Terry Buck, Judy Lodermeier and Diane Opsahl
dish up leadership skills for the annual dinner.

In the fall, CCW hosts a "Wine, Women and Worship" to kick off the fall activities, something I thought very inventive - and fun. "We have a good time at our meetings and try to make it so people feel appreciated and not always put upon," said Terry. "We want to blend in new (people) with current members." Terry's been involved with CCW for over 33 years locally.

Judy usually heads the cooking part of the event, Terry does the calling and organizing and Diane backs her up. Between the three they keep volunteers on their toes, hoping all have a good time helping not only their church, but those who benefit from their donations from proceeds from the dinner. Some past organizations helped are the Women's Shelter in Red Wing, Hope Coalition, mission trip for local kids, quilting supplies for church women who sew for missions around the country, Appalachian Project, and many others. They also have a bake sale in December and keep their hands busy with other worthwhile projects locally.

Goodhue's Catholic church has a great history and someone who did extensive work to preserve it. Started relatively late for rural Minnesota churches, Goodhue probably had it's first service in someone's home, but it was mentioned in the history it was possible it could have been in a chicken coop. In 1903 they drew up their official orders. Their first 'meeting' was in 1906 in the first building, with the current church constructed in 1956.

Ceiling tiles completed by confirmation classes.

Today, they share Father Paul Kubista with St. Columbkill of Belle Creek and St. Mary's in Bellechester. In as much as things change, they also stay the same - one priest serving many rural communities as yesterday. This was a change made just last summer.

The website relays the history, "We can only imagine how difficult it must have been to serve such a large area in this period of no cars, trains or telephones. The pastor had no way of letting his parishioners know when he was coming; he tried to get to each parish once a month. St. Columkill's 129th anniversary book states, " How the word got passed around when Father arrived, we do not know, but one can on imagine that every household had someone keeping a close watch on the trail the priest would most likely to pass on foot or horseback."

As the winds continued to howl outside, warm bodies welcomed a home-cooked meal, sitting with their neighbor try and outdo them on storm stories. Understanding such weather instances is really quite simple, if you listen to reason: "God has quite a palette when you go out and look at the snow, it's drifts and how we all react to it," said Terry. "It is quite beautiful."

Judy doing cooking duty.

DIane's Glorified Rice

1 cup raw rice cooked and rinsed

1- 2 lb. can pinapple, drained

2 cans madarin oranges, drained

1 jar maraschino cherries drained and cut in half

Dressing:

3/4 cup pinapple juice

1/4 cup lemon juice

1 cup powdered sugar

2 tablespoons flour

2 eggs

Mix together and cook until thick, add 1 tablespoon butter

Mix the first four ingredients together, add dressing and refrigerate overnight.

Add 1 cup whipping cream whipped.

2 cups mini marshmallows

You may add grapes and bananas if you wish.

Czech out this Soup Supper

Marie Kajer served as bread lady during the Soup
Supper at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church.

With the winter Minnesotans have survived thus far, it was a welcome treat to attend the Soup Supper held at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church in New Prague February 17.

Although there was some melting of snow at the time, Old Man Winter was still apparent at every step. Aside from the heaps of snow around the church buildings, the beauty of this 156-year old church from the outside is only a tease awaiting grandeur inside - meaning not only the tabernacle, but the warmth and spirit emitted from the parishioners.

Over 320 people came through the basement cafeteria, used by children during school week days, but tonight smelled of chili, vegetable beef and chicken noodle soups. If you wanted to try a second soup or just wanted to sample all like me, it was not an easy temptation as an assortment of white and wheat breads and tasty desserts met you after you filled your bowl. My favorite was the vegetable beef but that was a photo finish with the other choices.

In the preparation part of the meal on the Saturday before volunteers meet to sort through the 50 pounds of jumbo carrots, 30 stalks of celery, 50 pounds of onions as they mix each soup with canned ingredients as well. This year the beef was donated by Cedar Summit Farm, which includes 60 pounds of their lean beef. Divided between the vegetable beef and chili, a little bit more has to be purchased to put the final touch on the soups. The breads and desserts are donated. "I refuse to call anyone, we just put a call out a couple weeks before in the bulletin and it gives others a chance to serve as well," said Norb Sticha, the committee leader for the supper. With the close to 1,400 families in the parish, it doesn't take long to fill the order of 70 breads with a dozen or slices each or the dozens of bars and cookies to feed the masses. The kitchen is fill with not only lots of food, but well-disciplined volunteers.

Sticha proudly organizes his troops every year for this fundraiser and it most proud to exclaim all money goes to the Dorothy Day Center in St. Paul. The 20th annual event fills their commitment of serving food to needy visitors to the downtown facility, but it also fulfills those who find this ministry most satisfying.

Extras from the supper are taken to the center with desserts reserved for the March meal they will serve.

"Because we in New Prague don't live in the inner city we might now have any idea of life for some people," said Norb. "This (raising money for the Dorothy Day Center) gives us an opportunity for better awareness and a way to help our fellow man." Way back in 1995 the commitment was made to be a part of the monthly meal service at Dorothy Day.

Norbert (Norb) Sticha gives directions for shift duty
during the soup supper.

The Dorothy Day Center provides hot meals served by volunteers 365 days a year, as well as mental health services and medical care - and much more - to people experiencing homelessness. It also houses a women's shelter, which opened in 2007 and provides a dignified emergency shelter for 42 single homeless women. The center is run by Catholic Charities.

The soup supper arose from necessity as funds needed to be raised to continue their monthly commitment, which started in 1995. But for Norb, the Dorothy Day shift has had a profound influence on his life. "It is something near and dear to me," he said. "I get energized by helping these people. It is a fruitful experience. But I also believe you get more than you give in situations like this."

There might be some tweaks into the soup supper date for next year, and other charities to consider helping. With the help of Second Harvest Heartland and the generous parishioners of St. Wenceslaus, volunteers have tremendous backing in the endeavors they take on. This year's supper netted over $2,000.

A couple years ago wintry weather raised its ugly head on the morning before soup supper night, giving Norb more anxiety than usual. They made the decision to hold it and as weather conditions improved, the hungry came in with a strong showing. Aside with a mixup with dividing of the beef for the soups, the 20th annual event continues an event where food and social time is shared by many - without many hitches.

Bill Belkengren, retired but active amateur potter, offered up bowls he made at the supper, with money raised to go towards a charity he supports. On the other side of him is Joanie Tupy, a cousin of Norb's, who both can brag four generations of family going through the church and school. She was working cleanup duty tonight. There are many generations like them in New Prague, many of them passing down their faith and values throughout the years. That's why the church remains strong and active.

The Czech church was established in 1857 as a foundation and integral part of the faith community in New Prague. The parishioners strong family values and traditional faith practices are apparent. It's goals are to promote active participation in church worship, welcome all and offer opportunities for involvement, providing quality education and fostering social justice. It dominates the skyline of New Prague, with two towers that rise to 110 feet. The church was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1982.

New Prague is proud of the Czechslovakian heritage as this
testament for a map of the Old World.

The school has educated over 3500 children since it opened in 1878. At the time the school building of brick and of two stories was quite modern, costing $3,500 at the time to biuld. Its first teachers were six laymen and by 1880 the School Sisters of St. Francis had arrived and served the community 116 years. Nearly 200 nuns served more than 900 years; the first graduation class was in 1908.

The church and school work hand in hand to foster great people into the community and outside New Prague. "I feel the soup supper and projects like it are secondary to the awareness and connection we have to others," said Norb. "This is one opportunity that allows people to become involved, and allow them to grow in knowledge as well as witnessing the strife outside our congregation."

Well said, Norb! Thanks for your hospitality and great faith in man.

A Cookie Walk to Remember

This is not your average cookie walk.

When you're meeting women who bake 11 different cookies of three dozen each like Phyllis Burvis, you know this church group means to make, pardon the pun, serious dough. But it's not just the cookies and candy that draw hundreds to Kasson's United Methodist Church, it's also the wild rice soup, salads, live lefse-making demonstration, crafts, A Visit from Santa for the youngsters and Grandma's attic.

And don't forget the scads of smiling, helpful faces who complete the day, which emphasizes the hard work days before definitely is worth the fulfilled hearts on the day. The little bibbed aprons a few volunteers wore added to the festive atmosphere.

On this close to zero degree Saturday on December 7, the line was long but moved steadily as people were handed their box and plastic glove and given the task in picking from thousands of cookies to take  home for the holidays. It's hard to decide which treat to put in your box and then have to watch others doing the same, thinking "what do they know that I don't about that goodie." 

A great hail goes out to Sandy Gochnauer, head of the church women who have sponsored this Cookie Walk for  35 years. And the numbers of food sold for the church on the glen are daunting:

*70 dozen lefse sold
* 650 rosettes made/sold
*10 batches (almost three gallons a batch) of wild rice soup sold
*literally thousands of cookies sold, with few left over by day's end

"I swear that people come all around to buy their cookies here so they don't have to do their holiday baking," chuckled Sandy. She's probably right. The only thing is the cookies aren't going to last and Christmas get-together being so early in the month! "We raised about $6,700 this year, down a bit from last year, but we didn't have much left in the end." The group utilizes practically the whole main floor space of the church for the event.

Kitchen helpers: Robin Germundson, Jim Gillis, Sandy Gochnauer, 

Linda Zomok, Mary Lohse, Gen Sorenson, Judy Ruport,
Lana Bergus,Thomda Larsen,Renee Jensen, Steve DuBois,
Alexander Malisheske

There is no hurrying through the lines though. Even though you might come early for best pickings of the cookies, you can sit and have a cup of coffee and much on your 'take' or try a tasty salad or soup while you are talking to friends or relaxing. Or, remember Santa is around the corner waiting to talk to the tykes and offer them a small token or candy cane for their visit.

Despite the fickle Minnesota winters, an event has never been cancelled. On this cold day the wild rice soup tasted especially tantalizing as the crunching snow and fogged breath reminding all that even though the calendar says its still fall, winter has been here for a couple weeks!

Lorraine Spading is one of those dedicated volunteers for the Methodist church in Kasson, but tells of the story of learning how to make the lefse she demonstrates for all who attend, by working the local Lutheran Church (where else?). "I watched them roll lefse for years and learned practically by osmosis," she joked. In her 50 years at her church, she used that experience to perfect her own lefse recipe and is proud to show off to others how the process is done. Her key is using instant potato flakes and mixing the dough in flour just before rolling and frying. It looks simple to passerbys, but still mesmerizes those who love the Norwegian bread - Lutheran, Methodist or whatever your denomination!

Phyllis Burvis and Jennifer

Flynn were one of many who baked and workedthe walk.

Because of her lefse 'degree' Lorraine has been in charge of the station for many, many years, as well as a faithful volunteer in other functions of the church. There are about 175 people on the Kasson UM rolls, but most are active volunteers in many ways.

Warren Seavey, Fritz Spading and Rodney Beckman

 helped out at the cookie walk.

Their other big fundraiser is the Shrove Pancake Supper held before lent. They also proudly host ice cream sundae socials for the community as other free events, including Square Dance demonstrations.

This year, however, Sandy wears a little angel pin in memory of one of their most dedicated volunteers, Maggie Lien, who passed away in February. She was in charge of the cookie walk many times in her service. As the notes laying on the Christmasy tables say, "the cookies bring back fond memories of Grandma in the kitchen and the excitement that fills the air when the family is coming home for Christmas."

It would be easy to say that many angels were hard at work preparing for the cookie walk, as all those who give time to their church. It's in this giving we look back at the year of church socials and thank those who provide such great get-togethers to travel and taste.

"We certainly couldn't do it without our great volunteers and we appreciate all the support of those who attend," said Sandy. "It's a lot of work, but worth it."  Money raised goes toward missions, the youth group,silent helper fund, Daily Bread publications and the general budget.

Thanks to all who I visited this year: Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! I will talk to you again in 2014!

Lorraine Spading's Wild Rice Soup (who else?!)

1 cup cooked wild rice
1/2 cup butter
2 cups diced celery
1/2 cup diced onion

Lorraine Spading can be considered 

'Lefse Queen of Kasson' for her

countless years making the holiday

favorite.

6 cups cold water or broth from chicken
1/2 cup shredded crrot
5 1/2 tsp chicken base
2 1/4 cup of Half and Half
1/4 tsp. poultry seasoning
1/2 tsp. white pepper
1 1/2 cup flour
1/4 kitchen bouquet
1 8 ox pkg mushrooms
12 oz. diced cooked chicken
1 1/2 tsp Nature's seasoning

In large soup kettle melt butter and saute celery, carrot, onions, spices, seasonings til tender.

When vegetables almost done, add mushrooms and saute five minutes more.

Slowly add flour, then the water and continue to stir until thickened.

Add chicken and rice. Heat to 180 degrees,  add Half & Half and heat again to 180 degrees.


Upcoming Walks:

Saturday, Dec. 14 - First Congregational Church, Dodge Center, 9-11:30, Cookie Walk
                             - Immaculate Conception Church, rural Kellogg, 9-11, Cookie Walk

Harvest blessings

The best 'pride' I've seen in a town in a long time.

As the crimson, auburn and golden leaves finish their final journey to cooler ground and farmers hasten their field activity, there are many who believe partaking in good food is part of the harvest season. As my trusty Toyota Sienna sailed down the Shooting Start Scenic Byway, known more popularly as Hwy. 56 in southern Minnesota, it was business as usual in the fields, and topic of many discussions in the church basement.

Probably akin to years gone by when it wasn't uncommon for farmers to share elbow grease and meals for the better good of the neighborhood harvest. On a cool November Sunday, St. Patrick's Catholic Church in LeRoy made sure locals took a break by filling the town with aroma of ham and turkey, and then promptly and efficiently fed over 300.

Joyce Arndorfer (left), patron saint of humility
and pleasantness performs on of her duties on the day.

What strikes me the more church meals I attend, the greetings and appreciation expressed by church volunteers has no bounds - or runs out of ideas on how to express those feelings. "Make sure you make a new friend while you are here," was shared with me as I entered a room of total strangers and surroundings. And if you heed their advice, not only is the food extraordinary, so are each of those people sitting by you sharing bread.


For over 30 years, the church has cooked up a great meal its become a staple in this little hamlet near the Iowa border. And yes, there are many Iowans who make the yearly trek to fill their bellies with warmth and food of thanksgiving.

In the past, their Mulligan's Stew fundraiser topped the charts in money profited, in fact for over 50 years. But dwindling numbers (of good Irish followers maybe?) it was cancelled this year. It didn't harden the hearts of the hard-working volunteers, which number over 40 to pull off this splendid event. With 145 families as members, it doesn't take much to mention where help is needed and the request filled.

At 6 a.m. that Sunday, volunteers were ready to get the turkey to cut up, picked up from Main Street Market in town, warmed and ready to serve. The ham is precooked and warmed and waiting as well. It was hard to decide whether to pour the gravy over the turkey or ham, so I just told them to hit everything but the corn.

Lined them up in the kitchen: Loren Rickerl, Isabella
Morse, Penny Rickerl, Deb Olson, Rose McCarthy,
Ann Drees, Judy Jasper, Tony Arndorfer, A.J. Berke.
Thanks Isabella for posing, and for you years of
dedication!

Although most of us wonder where in the heck 2013 went and how can it be November already, it was tempting food that prepares us for the winter rest in God's country. With the Thanksgiving holiday only three weeks away, the wonderful turkey, stuffing and potatoes slid down marvelously down my throat, only to be met up with the moist ham and corn that went ahead of it. 

The pie selection is only part of the homemade touch on the food. The 15 turkeys cleaned, roasted and cutup cover a two-day period of preparation for the meal. Although store bought, the potatoes and stuffing still had to be prepared, and they were down so flawlessly. "We used to peel all the potatoes, but that got to be too much," said Joyce Arndorfer, a jack-of-all trades at the entry of the basement. It is Shirley Miller and Kathy Mason who co-chair the event for the CCW. "Whoever is hosting the month of activities becomes chair of the event," Joyce added, so apparently everyone gets to share in the leadership!

Not used to waiting to eat at such events, visitors were grouped together to give the kitchen a chance to keep up - and hungry patrons a chance to get their food and be seated. My being there two minutes past the 11 a.m. start had me waiting 15 minutes, but once down in the basement, smiles and guides showed me the ropes - and the table, lined not only with warming roasts, but people stationed at every one! It was impressive as it sped up the line, and actually gave me more food than I usually take, but it somehow all disappeared.

Sitting next to me were friendly farmers and their wives as well as retired attendees. To my immediate right was the most friendly, polite man I've met at these events (which is hard because any man who volunteers has a heart of gold). Darrell Yost lives right across from the church but was one of the first waves to be seated. Further talk finds he is the retired superintendent of schools for LeRoy-Ostrander, amongst other schools in southern Minnesota.

A gentle man with a great sense of humor we struck up conversation about football - his nephew played at Gustavus Adolphus the day before. And his three sons were all athletes locally, so that fed into my interest in sports. Before we knew it, our plates and glassware were cleared and it was evident we needed to make way for more hungry people!

The other two gentleman across from me left way before Darrell and I, but shared in harvest update. "Seems like the field I planted before the rain in May came in at 45 bushels (soybeans), but the ones after came in at 55." Sounds like good news, unless you spy the many fields that couldn't be planted because of the wet spring.

Alongside as you make your way to the buffet, are several gift items to raffle off. For me, it's just another donation, as I never win. But there were some unique items that had tickets sprinkled into the bucket throughout the meal. "We started that four years ago, and it seems to add interest to the meal," added Joyce. All items are donated or made by parishioners.

If there is extra food, it can be bought afterwards for a freewill donation. I generally don't stick around to the end, opting to get their early with the thought process I don't want to not get the food I am supposed to sample.

The last delight on the day was my brief but exciting discussion with local newspaper columnist Eileen Evans. As stated many times over the last 1 1/2 years, it is amazing at who you meet up with from your past or genetic pool. Eileen's son, Dan, bought my newspaper, the "Blooming Prairie Times" in 2005, and still owned the local newspaper where his mom still works. When she found out what I was doing there her excitement couldn't be throttled. Now it seems, with good sense, that Eileen could tell me about the best meals from miles around. That fact did not escape me as I now know where Eileen lives and will call upon her when it's time to find a new church culinary delight. And it seems she is an author, writing "Cy Thompson: The Generous Embezzler", the story of a local man who stole money from a business years ago.


My work done, and my stomach satisfied as well as my need for interaction with great people, I head out, meeting more coming in. It is clear if you haven't attended a church fundraiser meal with the intention of enjoying all it is about, you've missed the point.

In that case, you need to keep updated about my wanderings and learning about those who serve their God, church and community.





Upcoming Yummy Events:

Little Cedar Lutheran Church, Adams - Lutefisk and Meatballs, Nov. 6, 11-7:30

Grace Lutheran Church, Waseca, Harvest Mission Lunch, Nov. 7, 11-2

Annual Hunters Ham Dinner, McGregor, Grace Lutheran Church, 4-7

Hunters Lunch and Bake Sale, Moscow Lutheran Church at Town Hall, Nov. 9  - 11-2

St. Peter's Fall Dinner, Rose Creek, Nov. 10, 4:30-7:30

Emmons Lutheran Church Lutefisk Supper, Nov. 12 4:30-7

A good idea worth sharing

When you are going to steal an idea, steal a good one.

Diane Braun serves up more hot spuds.

When Wayne and Diane Braun attended an Elysian church fundraiser years ago, they discussed the novel idea of a baked potato dinner. Not many of them around, and a somewhat easy undertaking. That was seven years ago, and today, the LeCenter United Methodist Church is serving up spuds with all the fixings in their sixth year, raising money for their church and community and doing the Lord’s work all at the same time.

There are many stalwart volunteers at their church, but its Diane and LeAnn Jones who head of the fund-raising committee, something the previous pastor assigned to them. Noticing their dedication and determination, he knew how important to have strong leaders.

“We have a great team of people at this church,” said Diane. “We all enjoy doing it and seeing the results of our work.” Their results are no secret, as many people in LeCenter have benefitted from their generosity. Maybe a person coming to town doesn’t have much food, not enough money for gas or just down on their luck temporarily. Time in and time out it’s the local United Methodist church passing along a grocery or gas card. “It’s our belief to help out others,” added LeAnn, who recalled helping a family with children get beds and other needs.

And it all begins with a hot potato.

Whether it’s chili or turkey and gravy to start out the piling on procedure, a person can add broccoli, ham, green or black olives, mushrooms, cheese or sour cream - all of them. Scooping for a side dish is encouraged, but when you mash it all up, it warms the tummy something yummy!

Add coleslaw and an assortment of bars or cookies (including gluten-free) and no one goes away dissatisfied. And before or after the meal, three tables of silent auction items await for anyone looking for a good deal and another way to help the community with their donation. Don Hoffman mans the tables and is the answer man there, while Mary Frank minded the till at the front door. So many more volunteers filled take-out orders at a separate station upstairs and jumped into their battle station when it looked like another order needed filling.

Volunteers:, back row: Jenn Jones, LeAnn Jones,
Lynnette Hoffman;front: Sandy Parks, Diane Braun,
Gerry Zimmerman

Meanwhile, Wayne is scooping up the potato and slicing it up for hungry goers, while kitchen helpers attend to food-related duties. In all, the energetic bunch served up 20 takeouts and over 80 taters downstairs - a good turnout indeed, in fact, more than the last two years!

All food is donated and signup sheets passed around weeks before the event. This year the calls to businesses for silent auction items came later than usual but the merchants from LeCenter, St. Peter, New Prague, LeSueur and Montgomery generously came through. It’s the likes of businesses like Evie’s Soups and More and Walt’s Hook, Line and Sinker or the donation of bags of yellow cherry tomatoes that keep the fund-raiser going.

Wayne Braun prepares
potatoes for eating

None of the food goes to waste. The first Monday of each month there is a community dinner at the church, so the women will cut up and fry up the potatoes and put out the fixin’s. Sunday services have coffee and treats so the sweets have a place to go.

The church service averages 30 parishioners each Sunday, but their generous ways touch the community. They are proudly known for their charity, “I think the impact of people in need in the community has been substantial and we try to help all we can,” added LeAnn. Pastor Amy Jo Bur, new in the last year, is proud of the impact her lambs have. “It’s amazing how they serve the church and town.”

Amy Jo hails from Michigan and moved from Georgia last year with her husband. Her diverse background and intellect, including a study under Desmond Tutu (South African social rights activist and retired Anglican bishop), helps lead the church for the future. No one outhustles the UM women’s group in town!  Oh, there is a garage sale in the spring and the men’s chicken and biscuit dinner early in the year as well, pretty much manned by the same volunteers. But it’s not often a church group has 94 year olds wanting to return to help. “Ruth Frederickson didn’t want to retire at 88 but we kind of told her she’s put in her time, it’s OK to just come and enjoy,” said Diane. “Another lady was 94 last year and we told her she didn’t have to work. But that’s our mission, to serve and that’s what they want to do.”

This year’s money is earmarked for local help, but it may be time to divert funds to an air conditioner in the office and narthex, along with roof help in the future. Whatever it might be, this congregation is ready for the challenge.

“I’m so thankful for my workers,” said LeAnn. “Everyone has a talent and wants to do what they can to help. We are all good friends and we do the fund-raisers together. I’m 75 years old now, and not moving as fast as I used to, but Diane and I were nominated to lead, so that’s what we try to do.”

No Diane, many people try, you and LeAnn succeed!

Yummy Calendar:

Saturday, Oct. 12 - Pine River First Lutheran Church Lutefisk Dinner, 3:30-7:30

Tuesday, Oct. 15 - Blooming Prairie First Lutheran Church Lutefisk Dinner, 4:30-7:30

Friday, Oct. 25, Buffalo's Zion Lutheran Church, Lutefisk Dinner, 4:30-7

Sunday, Oct. 27 - Chili Luncheon at Grace Lutheran Church, Mankato, 10:30-12:30

Where the buffalo roam . . .

Attending a buffalo roast brought back memories of singing the song, "Home on the Range" as a child, you know, where the buffalo roam and the good 'ol days?


There was only thoughts of lip-smacking buffalo and ham, along with other great fixin's at Medo Lutheran Church, a respite in the countryside south of Pemberton this past Sunday. Close to 200 people have attending this event in each of its 24 years, traveling through the flat, fertile lands of southwestern Minnesota to this tiny oasis. On this September 15th, my husband and I weren't the only ones standing in line awaiting the gates to open to taste a delicacy not often had for meals anymore.

"We were sitting have one of picnics in the park way back, and wondered what could we do different," said Ruby Isebrand, co-chair since the event started - except for the couple years when two other church women thought it good to rotate leaders (that lasted only a couple years). "John Weir and Rev. Gregg Welander said, how about a buffalo roast? Someone had mentioned they heard of it and we thought, no one else does it. So we looked into and here we are."

It's the first and only such dinner this writer has heard of in Minnesota, much less a small church group. Their first buffalo meat was bought from a Pierre, South Dakota business, in the same area as "Dances With Wolves" was filmed in 1990. Today, they secure their meat from Big Woods Bison in Nerstrand, and have it processed through Nerstrand Meats - which is one of the best places in Minnesota to buy all sorts of meat and treats.

While the buffalo comes from the northeast, the ham comes from a grocer to the northwest in Mankato. So a Medo meal visitor gets the choice of buffalo or ham, or in my case, I took both. Along with coleslaw, baked beans, fresh bread or buns for a sandwich (and condiments, but none are needed as it melted in your mouth), mashed potatoes and gravy, fresh tomatoes, huge sliced pickles and a selection of desserts that never ended, seconds were allowed but how you'd be hungry after that plateful is hard to figure out! Add coffee, lemonade filled by two cute munchkins and where could you feel more spoiled at a meal?

Ten-year-old Kiera Knutson and nine-year-old Electra
Knutson worked with a smile during the dinner.

"Melva Schull chaired the first event and we got about 275 people then, but get over 200 now," added Ruby, who glistened about the forehead as she bounded from the kitchen to the hall, making sure the volunteers were doing their jobs plus the hungry throngs were receiving all they needed for a great meal experience. Over 30 church volunteers worked tirelessly and smoothly through the two-hour meal. Pastor Laurie Stoeger was one of the greeters this year, but last year entertained the troops by playing the banjo. "While it was a great idea, we thought that people couldn't listen a whole lot because they were busy eating and visiting," Ruby chuckled. Doesn't matter anyway, as Pastor Laurie said her banjo was in repair right now!

They purchase and then roast about 120 pounds of buffalo, which they also sell to those who want to take some home for tomorrow. Perry Mortensen's family roasts the buffalo. When they first started the meal, it cost $3.85 a pound for buffalo meat, now its up to $9 a pound. About 80 pounds of ham, and more pounds than you'd want to carry of potatoes are processed as well. Chuck and Gert Schubbe mastered potato duty years ago and still smile while they work.

Kitchen Duty
Back row: Chuck Schubbe, Ron Schull, Darryll Schubbe; front row: Melva
Schull, Sonja Swanson, Erikah Kirksey, Vi Gonsolus, Gert Schubbe,
Vera Gonsolus and Ruby Isebrand.

Ruby's been a loyal Medo Lutheran since 1974, when her husband and she bought a farm near Pemberton. Now a hobby farm, they both stay busy enough, but remain just as active in church activities. "We used to have a lutefisk dinner for many years, but it became too much work to make all the food back then." It seems like they found their niche here!

Elnore Lindeland waited by the entrance table for her family before she wrote the check for all to eat. Just about to turn 90 years old the next day, she recalled vividly many dinners she worked - she chaired the lutefisk dinner many years. She had been raised near Owatonna, and a member at Medo since 1946. Her husband's family was one of the charter members of Medo, way back in 1868. As we talked more, we learned of similar people and places we both frequented, as is with every meal I attend. The world is indeed small if you take the time to meet the person next to you!

Elnore went on. "There's only one person older in the congregation, and he's four months older but not in good health." The Lindeland's celebrated their farm's 100 years at the church's 125th anniversary a while back. She is indeed a local treasure.

Medo volunteers pitch in

As the church quickly filled, it was a rare sight to see so many young men taking the time to get a meal. And with the youth filling roles as table clearers, coffee pourers, lemonade chasers, it was clear the buffalo roast was - and has been - a hit, drawing in those not usually seen at most church meals. There were about 17 take-out meals, "more when the guys are in the field" added Ruby.

"It's a long day preparing, serving and cleaning it all up, but it's worth it," she said. It must be, because when you have a congregation of 300, with about 50 weekly steady members, pulling it altogether is a work of art. But the September meal was a very special one indeed.

Recipe from the women of 

Medo Lutheran Church:

 

Apple Bars

 

2 and 1/4 cup flour

1 cup butter

1 1/2 Tablespoon sugar

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 egg yolk + milk to make 1/2 cup

 

1 and 1/2 cup slightly crushed corn flakes

4 cups sliced apples

1 cup sugar

1 teaspoon cinnamon

 

2 egg whites, stiffly beaten

 

Cut butter into flour, sugar and salt.  Add liquid (milk & egg yolk).

Roll out 1/2 the dough to fit in a jellyroll pan.  It works best if you roll the

dough out between two well floured sheets of wax paper.  You may need to

work a little flour into the dough when rolling it out.

 

Spread crushed corn flakes over dough.  Mix apple slices, sugar & cinnamon

together and place on dough.  Roll out top crust and place on top.  Spread

the beaten egg whites on top.  Bake at 350 degree oven for 45 minutes.  Drizzle a

thin powdered sugar icing on top while still slightly warm.  These freeze well.

Upcoming Meals:

 Sept, 20 - First Presbyterian Church, Bemidji, Roast Beef Dinner, 4:30-7

Sept. 28 - Pine River United Methodist, Pork Chop Dinner, 4:30-7

Oct. 8 - Vang Lutheran, Dennison, 34th Lutefisk Dinner, 4:30-7

Oct. 15 - First Lutheran Church, Blooming Prairie, Lutefisk Dinner, 4 - 7 serving