The Village Church in Lacombe, LA, has a busy and active cooking ministry. The most recent event was the annual “Jambalaya Fest” at Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, MO.
For the past nine years, Pastor Paul Ernewein has returned to the seminary with members of his congregation, to bring some good Louisiana cooking. In addition to jambalaya, the group prepares local favorites such as fried catfish, hush puppies, shrimp and grits, alligator sausage, beignets, bread pudding, sno-balls and king cakes. The event is open to students, their during the National Youth families, and faculty; attendance can vary from 300 to 400. Pictured following morning chapel services are members of the cooking team along with Dr. Dale Meyer and Rev. Bill Wrede from the seminary.
Members of the cooking ministry have also cooked or the students and staff of Concordia College in Selma, AL, as well as flood victims and volunteers in Cypress, TX. Over 1,200 lunches were given away this summer during the National Youth Gathering in New Orleans. The same day, over 200 meals were served to youth groups invited to Zion Lutheran Church for dinner.
In October, The Village cooking ministry will travel to Austin, TX, to feed members of the church at large and the students and staff of Concordia University.
The recipients always enjoy the Louisiana cooking and appreciate the efforts of the cooking team.