For the past 70 years at Faith Lutheran, a group of dedicated volunteers sponsored by the Men of Faith, gathered each early fall to begin the planning process for a much anticipated and always popular Annual Lutefisk and Meatball dinner.

 

 

This dinner is traditionally held on the first Tuesday of December - "Holy Tuesday". The process begins with a head count.  Who is still able to stand (or even sit) enough to help in the kitchen? Who is no longer able to drive and will need a ride or isn't able to come at all? Who is in a nursing home and can’t help as they have in the past? Who has passed away in the last year? Who has moved south away from the cold already? You can sense a theme I imagine.

Our head count process was significantly impacted by our aging volunteer population.  The average age of the most recent core group of volunteers is approximately 75 years old, and not only is nobody getting any younger, but it has become more and more difficult to find volunteers that would have an impact on lowering that average age significantly.  

The Men of Faith Lutefisk dinner group met in September to begin the planning process and it quickly became evident that change was needed. After much heartfelt discussion, a motion was approved to end the Annual Lutefisk and Meatball Dinner effective immediately. 2017 will have been the last Lutefisk and Meatball dinner hosted at Faith Lutheran, at least for the foreseeable future.

We are encouraged to see new traditions starting at Faith! We just hosted our first Share Tank and hope is make this an annual event of intentional outreach into our community.  Our second annual turkey bingo is coming up in November.  Our third annual Spooky Music event (which is the same night as Trunk or Treat) is coming up on October 24th. In 2019 we will have our third annual Mardi Gras celebration, an inter-generational party and worship service that packs the church. Our Father Daughter Ball is a fantastic event that draws in all ages and serves the wider community. Let’s continue to look for ways to engage and share God’s grace with all.