Trinity Lutheran Church Planning Fall Dinner

For 35 years, area residents have been able to appreciate a hearty meal at Trinity Lutheran Church in Culbertson. This year, the annual fall dinner is set for Sunday, Oct. 26, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the church’s fellowship hall.

“It’s a tradition that starts the fall and Thanksgiving activities in the area,” Pastor Gretchen Wagner said of the upcoming 36th dinner.

Wagner, who has been serving as the church’s pastor for 10 years, explains that when the event started, the men handled all the cooking.

“Now, it’s everybody,” she said. Even Sunday School, or Power House, students become involved by serving the dessert to finish the fantastic meal. “They are a hard sell. They love to do it,” Wagner said of the children.

The meal always features roast beef and pork along with mashed potatoes, corn, coleslaw, a roll, dessert and beverages. Dessert will consist of cake this year.

The important cooks of the meat are about 8 to 12 church members who perform the task at their own homes.

Gravy is a special treat since each of the cooks create their own gravy. The different recipes are then combined into a single pleasure.

Wagner admits that during her first year at the church, she wondered about the gravy process. “There’s absolutely no recipe. It’s pretty wild,” she said. “It’s always so good.”

Cost for the meal is $45 for families, $15 for teens and $8 for youth between the ages of 7-12. Participants can dine in, take out or have the meal delivered by calling 406787-5390.

All profits go to the church’s general fund. Wagner said one future project for the church is replacing the old cross on top of the building.

The pastor said the fall dinner is something the church and the entire community looks forward to each year.

“People have already been asking me when the dinner is,” Wagner said. “I like to do it. I get to talk to a lot of people that day.”