On the first Sunday of each month, Lake Fellowship hosts a special event called Soup Sunday. It's part lunch, part fundraiser, and all heart. Read the FAQs below to learn more and get involved.
What is Soup Sunday?
During the programming year, the first Sunday of each month is Soup Sunday. On this day, a group of people (often a family or 2-3 individuals) prepare and serve a soup lunch to the people in attendance that day. Donations are welcomed, and the money raised goes to a well-vetted charity, selected by the soup makers, as a goodwill gesture to our community.
When are Soup Sundays?
Soup Sundays are typically held on the first Sunday of each month, after that morning's program. Watch the calendar, or subscribe to our newsletter to receive announcements about upcoming Soup Sundays.
Who can partake in Soup Sundays?
All are welcome. While we gratefully accept your donations, there is no obligation to do so. Anyone is welcome to enjoy the meal.
How can I help on a Soup Sunday?
There are many ways you can offer to help. Find a way that fits your budget and comfort level. Options include:
- Sign Up: Plan, prepare, bring, and serve soup for 15-30 people. Get the family involved, or join forces with other individuals to put together a nice lunch. Often, servers will bring soup accompaniments such as bread, crackers, fruit, and dessert. Soup makers are also tasked with setting up before and cleaning up after lunch, though it's common for others to volunteer to help as needed.
- Donate: Bring cash or a checkbook to make a donation to the charity of the day.
- Bring a friend: Soup Sundays are a great opportunity for new people to get to know Lake Fellowship.
- Volunteer: Setting and up and cleaning up always go faster when many hands are helping. Plan to stick around after lunch to help wash dishes, put away tables and chairs, and vacuum the floor.
What are the responsibilities of the Soup Makers?
Generally, the Soup Makers are expected to do the following:
- Sign up ahead of time for a date on the Soup Sunday sign-up sheet posted near the front door, or let Tim Wendt know via email.
- Select a charity. See the list of well-vetted charity groups, or reach out to Tim to see if a different charity can qualify. Collect the donations at the end of the lunch, and coordinate with Tim for how best to donate the full amount to your selected charity.
- Arrive by at least 10:15 on the date you've selected to start setting up before the program starts at 10:30. Try to avoid prep work during the program, and be quiet if you must work then.
- Bring enough food to feed 15-30 people. This includes soup (or chili, stew, or whatever you like), and whatever you want to accompany the soup (bread, crackers, cheese, fruit, dessert, etc.). It's extra kind to make your soup vegetarian, or bring a vegetarian option. Your soup does not need to be your great-grandma's award-winning recipe, and does not need to be homemade.
- Serve the soup using the kitchen counter. Lake Fellowship has a full kitchen with bowls, serving dishes, silverware, oven/stove, and sink. Attendees will line up, buffet style, to receive your tasty offerings before sitting at card tables in the main area.
- Clean up the kitchen and main area of the fellowship. Wash and dry dishes, clean surfaces, sweep and vacuum floors, and bring home any leftovers and garbage.
Does it have to be soup?
Not at all. You are welcome to bring and share some other hearty meal with the group, if you prefer. We chose soup originally because there are so many different kinds, and it's a relatively easy meal to transport and re-heat. Soup Sunday can just as easily be Pizza Sunday, Sandwich Sunday, or even Hot Dish Sunday!
What's the reason for Soup Sunday?
Before the Covid-19 pandemic, we used to share a meal nearly every Sunday. It was a lot of work, but always nice to gather after the program for food, fun, and fellowship. Covid forced us to be exclusively online for about a year, and, of course, our Sunday lunches were put on hold as well. Once we returned to in-person gatherings, there was some hesitancy around sharing food, and people also expressed some stress around finding volunteers to bring and prepare food every Sunday. At the same time, we also realized that people in our community were finding it more difficult to find nutritious food and to feed their families. The solution? A once-a-month lunch commitment that also raised funds to help others eat well, too.
Who can I talk to for more information about Soup Sunday?
This effort is led by our Charitable Giving Chair, Tim Wendt. You may also ask virtually anyone else who attends Lake Fellowship, and they can likely answer your questions, too.