Lincoln Chapel United Methodist Church Gallery

A Little Taste of Italy Comes to Lincoln Chapel
by Debbie Snare

      Recently, our family and friends enjoyed a visit to an "authentic" Italian restaurant, without ever having to leave the West End, when a Spaghetti Supper was held at Lincoln Chapel on April 29, 2007. What started out as a dream and a prayer of Camping Ministry's Judy Blair became a reality when a team of highly trained cooks, coordinators and service people arrived on Saturday afternoon, to transform the lower Sunday School rooms into a veritable "trattoria", complete with red-checked tablecloths, candlelight in traditional bottles, and the velvety tones of Dean Martin playing in the background. "When the moon hits your eye like a big pizza pie/That's amore!" These skillful individuals having earned their credentials through many years of service to the Lord and to their fellow brothers and sisters, descended on the kitchen like a team with a mission. As pots of water were set to boiling, and the ovens were warmed, the careful business of creating the spaghetti sauce began. Sharon Lowry, Joanna Vanatta, Kathy Bryner and John Benfer could be seen hovering over the steaming vats of Sharon's secret sauce, carefully monitoring the flavor, temperature and texture, while Luke Snare handled the pasta. Susan Benfer and Jen Snyder could stand the heat in the kitchen, so they were put in charge of baking the delicious garlic bread and cheese-stuffed breadsticks. Luke and Noah Snare were in charge of tossing the salads, while the Kidsclub children, led by Lori Jo Showalter, mixed a beautiful fruit salad: Caroline Benfer, Alex Haines, Audrey and Justin Kuhns, Hannah, Levi and Lydia Showalter, Noah Snare and Derek Walter. I was impressed by how these children worked, and they worked hard! The friendly waitstaff included: Helen Benfer, Vicki Coup, Dawne Schreckengast, Sue Snyder, Mary Wertz, Margaret and Marcia West, and yours truly. Two waitresses were even seen dancing an impromptu polka to the lively Italian music! Mary Kahl, visiting from Four Bells Church, Marion Ditzler, and Janet Weaver stood in as the cake ladies, slicing and plating a cornucopia of baked delights, while Hal Wertz served as coffee butler.
     Soon, our first guests would be arriving, so Pastor Jon called us together for a moment to remind us why we were all here: to benefit the Camperships Program, not only for the children of Lincoln Chapel, but also the children of the West End. He led us in singing praises to our Awesome God, who gives us all we have, and our voices lifted as we sang the Doxology:
                          "Praise God from whom all blessings flow; Praise Him all creatures here below;
                           Praise Him above, ye heav'nly host; Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen!"
     After an inspiring word of prayer, we were ready to feed the hungry customers. Charles Breneman manned the cash register, with Donna Breneman serving as communications liaison, while Judy Pelter took phone calls for takeout orders. Hungry customers began filtering in, and the pasta extravaganza began! Before long, the "dining room" was bustling with guests, as the mouth-watering aroma of homemade spaghetti and fresh bread filled the room, along with the sound of laughter and pleasant conversations. The waitresses were busy carrying trays of food, while the Kidsclub children scurried back and forth, clearing, re-setting tables, and helping wherever needed. Pastor Jon served as maitre d' (or headwaiter), providing fascinating tableside conversation for the guests. Coordinating this hectic activity were Kafy Long and Janet Weaver, who took to the floor to make sure the dinners kept coming and the tables kept getting cleared.
     Live entertainment was even provided with a roaming musician on hand: local musician Steve Catania graciously played Italian classics on his mandolin, while Sharon Lowry played the tambourine in accompaniment, much to the delight of our dining room audience.
     After a few hours, the event began to wind down, and it was time for the clean-up crew to take over: Ron Keister, Duain and Joyce Shaw, Dave Showalter, along with many volunteers who had been there since early afternoon. Still in high spirits, and with much humor, the Italian restaurant was turned back into a Sunday School room, and everyone went their way, weary, but satisfied. A total of $822.21 was raised for the Campership Program, an impressive start! Perhaps equally important, was to see our Church family and friends, united again in a common cause, adults and children working together, fellowshipping, and making more fond memories at Lincoln Chapel.