Join Immanuel Lutheran for free community meal
Immanuel volunteer Tim Schmitt, a May 2015 Daily Herald Cook of the Week, doesn't shy away from large crowds, good food, and giving people options. Schmitt has created a new menu for the Community Meal, keeping crowds and vegetarians in mind.
The entire community is invited to a no-cost Community meal from 5-7 p.m. Thursday, April 27, at Immanuel Lutheran Church & School. Schmitt and a host of additional volunteers are serving up two menu options - beef and rotini casserole and lentil rice veggie bake, a meatless option.
In addition to the entrée choices, side dishes, beverages, and dessert will be available, all at no charge. People will also be invited to participate in an optional spring planting project.
Immanuel has hosted the Community Meal two other times, most recently in January. Palatine and neighboring suburbs were invited to The Community Meal at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Palatine Jan. 12. About 196 people were fed from 5-7 p.m. that evening. Fifty-six volunteers, many of who are part of Immanuel's church and school staff, came to help the meal run smoothly and visit with guests.
The committee would like to thank all of the volunteers who supported this opportunity to reach out.
All of this would have not been possible if it wasn't for the vision and faithfulness of Mary Sandner and Sandy Haase from The Community Meal program of Barrington. Their team support was vital to the volunteers and leaders.
Immanuel hopes to model what these ladies provide for the Barrington community by inviting other churches to join in hosting these meals throughout the year.
The meal served consisted of sloppy Joes, grilled cheese sandwiches, salad, potato chips, coffee, water, lemonade, and desserts. Many of the desserts were donated by members of the 50's Plus Senior's group that meets at Immanuel Fridays.
The K-8 students at Immanuel Lutheran School helped prepare for the meal using their artistic skills to color Epiphany place mats for all attending.
Following the meal, many of the guests and volunteers participated in Immanuel's Operation Christmas Child service project. About 50 simple fishing kits were assembled to be shared with children in impoverished countries. These kits will be given to help the children provide meals for their families.
Immanuel wishes to thank Thrivent Financial for the monetary donation given to purchase food for The Community Meal, and NPN 360 Northern Print Network for the donation of the signs and hand sanitizer bottles given to those attending.
The next Community Meal is Thursday, April 27.
Immanuel Lutheran Church & School is at 200 N. Plum Grove Road in downtown Palatine, just two blocks east of the Palatine Metra Train Station. For information, call (847) 359-1549 or visit ImmanuelPalatine.org.
• Submit 'Your News' at www.dailyherald.com/share.