Friendship UMC Dinner

Bay Weekly

Church dinners are a welcoming tradition extending beyond doctrine to bring a community together while raising money for special projects. Among Chesapeake Country churches serving local fare like crab cakes, oysters and ham, Friendship United Methodist Church is an innovator. This year’s feast, now 20-year-old tradition, features shrimp and roast beef.

“We needed to offer something different than other meals in the area,” said the Rev. Dr. Anne Stewart, retired United Methodist minister of this year’s menu. “And lots of people like shrimp and beef.”

It takes a core group of at least 20, plus volunteers to prepare and serve the dinner, a fundraiser in support of church’s missions like Appalachian Service Project and Safe Harbor Women’s Shelter.

“We look forward to serving returning customers,” said Stewart, “and any new friends who want to see why the homemade cole slaw and potato salad have earned a five-star reputation.”