ORDER UP - Christ the King Lutheran Church's Women of the Word volunteers, from left: Marilyn Wilkus, Linda Henslin, Jane Guggisberg, Peggy Olson, Carol Thor, Linda Jenzen, Beverly Ishimaru, Cris Nev, Diane Munson, Karen Neu, Frank and Mary Shemonek, Naomi Easton, Deb VanderHorst and Sherrye Kuchenbecker put on a Baked Potato Bar on Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2025. Pioneer photo by Ben Revermann
Baked Potato Bar at Christ the King
"Women of the Word" organize their second annual event at Waseca Lutheran Church
"Women of the Word" organize their second annual event at Waseca Lutheran Church
Thu, 10/16/2025 - 1:00am
Christ the King Lutheran Church’s Women of the Word held their second annual Baked Potato Bar and dessert over the lunch hour on Wednesday, Oct. 8. They help to raise money for groups on a mission and turn in their donations at the end of the year.
John Wilkus and his wife Marilyn were in the lobby; John was giving Uber rides and manning the elevator, helping any of those who needed assistance. Marilyn was at the ticket table, “We had upwards of 70 people come through our line today, the busiest we got was during that first hour.” In the dining room downstairs, a large steamer was filled with baked potatoes; patrons were instructed to unwrap the tinfoil themselves with help provided if needed. Among selections for toppings were chili, a mountain of Colby and cheddar cheeses, chopped green onions, sour cream, and as many bacon bits as would fit on the plate. Diners had water or coffee, and a pretty good selection of teas to choose from. For those able to finish their potato there were plenty of choices for dessert: cookie bars, coconut bars, pumpkin bars and more.
Beverly Ishimaru, wife to Pastor Ishimaru said, “All the potatoes for today were donated by Superior Catering; Jane Guggisberg did that. We also received donations from Thrivent Financial as well.” A passerby inserted a question, “Why don’t you guys have baked potato bars more often?” Her reply: “Because we want the numbers. Our women’s group is pretty small; this event is a lot of work that is being done by committed people.” She added about Superior Catering, which is based out of Ellendale, “Superior also helps out with a lot of the food for funerals. We help them by taking care of serving and cleanup afterwards, they do a lot for us and we’re grateful.”
Last year the event drew 56 people, but the good news is this year they had 70, so it is growing. Beverly added, “We have done fundraising for local groups like Samaritan’s Purse and Bethlehem House. We also donate to Child Outreach International which is a Christian charity and Heifer International helping children with schooling.”
For those unable to attend the Baked Potato Bar in person, a Potato-to-Go option was also available. Light delivery service was also provided. Watch for this event in October 2026.