Serving kindness

While Easter Sunday is traditionally a day to spend with families or relatives, a certain contingent of people do not have plans. The First Congregational Church of Waseca provided meals for those people.

The church served about 180 people throughout its ministerial dinner April 9 from noon to about 1:30 p.m. The offering was a classic ham dinner with mashed potatoes and gravy, coleslaw, and a choice of either a vanilla or chocolate cupcake for dessert.

Pastor Ken Andrs explained that, traditionally, the First Congregational Church served these dinners every other year. “We work together with other local churches to put this on,” he said.

This was the first time in a few years for the church, however, as the last time they were supposed to have the dinner was during the Covid-19 pandemic.

“We’re glad to be doing this again,” Andrs said.

The purpose of the dinner was to bring people together who otherwise had nothing going on for Easter Sunday. “Some of the people we serve are shut-ins,” he added. “A lot of our church congregation also stick around after the service to enjoy dinner.”

Several of them volunteered to prepare and serve the dinners as well.

There were two options for those interested in eating the Easter dinner: eat it in the church basement, or get it to go. A little over 60 chose the latter option.

Andrs had a lot of people to thank, starting with Kwik Trip for donating the rolls and some other foods for the Easter dinner. “If it weren’t for the volunteers, it wouldn’t be possible,” he added.

Several of the volunteers commented that they were happy to help out, as the church usually puts on other dinners, but Covid-19 has reduced their opportunities for a while now.

As many enjoyed their food, it was a reminder that serving others can be rewarding, especially during Easter. “We hope everyone had a great Easter Sunday,” Andrs said.