Simone Antworth, left, Nancy Adams and Pastor Karen Merrill from the Vassalboro United Methodist Church are preparing for a Hawaiian luau at the public supper slated for Aug. 17. Submitted photo

The Vassalboro United Methodist Church is adding a twist to its Aug. 17 public supper.

Organizer Simone Antworth said “We had been thinking for some time about offering pulled pork as an alternative and when we realized that Hawaii is celebrating 65 years of statehood in August we decided to honor Hawaii by offering some of their traditional foods this time.” We will serve our usual baked beans in addition to some made like they do in Hawaii as well as pulled pork, shrimp dishes, breads, salads and desserts all cooked with a tropical flair.

“The Hawaiians love Spam so we might sneak in a dish using that — and there will be pineapple dishes of course. There will be surprises too,” said Antworth with a smile. “Guests will have to find out about those when they get there.” The supper is set for 4:30-6 p.m., or as long as there is food.

Cost is a $10 suggested donation per person.

Public suppers are held  every third Saturday, May through October, at the church. Proceeds support the operating costs of the church and bolster member’s current efforts towards broadening accessibility to online and on-site services and programs.

Harvey Boatman, accessibility project coordinator said, “Our fundraising goal to improve accessibility is $80,000 which will make it possible for us to install safety and accessibility features inside the church. In addition to individual donations and proceeds from fundraising events we have raised $57,500 in grants from the Sukeforth Foundation, the United Methodist New England Conference, the Maine Community Foundation, the United Methodist Foundation of New England, Joni & Friends Christian Fund for the Disabled and an anonymous $10,000 matching grant. We are encouraged and feel grateful for such generous support. Recently though, we discovered a problem that necessitates an additional $43,000 for repairs to the roof and steeple. Raising the funds necessary for that on top of what we are already doing adds an increased level of strain on our congregation. We need support from the community and pray folks will attend our public suppers and other events we offer and/or come forward to help us with however much they can give. No donation is too small.”

For more information visit Vassalboro United Methodist Church on Facebook, call Pastor Karen Merrill at 207-873-5564 or email karenmerrill62@gmail.com.

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