Easter Sunday - March 31, 2002
He Is Risen Indeed! Alleluia!
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Friendship served with Easter dinner
By Katrina Harrmann
kharrman@greenbaypressgazette.com
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For Roger Stoller, Easter dinner was more than just an opportunity to eat some home-made ham and potatoes — he could enjoy the holiday with other people, instead of being alone.
“It’s good to have conversation. There’s fellowship, friendship — it’s a place to go for today,” the Green Bay resident said.
Stoller was one of more than 100 people dining at Grace Lutheran Church on Easter Sunday. The church planned the dinner for the elderly, the needy, the homeless and the lonely — but stressed that anybody was welcome.
“Last year we served 200 people,” said Laurie Broeckel, a member of Grace Lutheran Church who coordinated the dinner. “At this point we’ve served 100 people. We’re not sure why it’s lower. With the nice weather, we thought there would be more people.”
The dinner was originally held at Christ Episcopal Church. Last year, however, the two congregations made it a joint effort after Christ Episcopal asked Grace Lutheran for help .
About 50 volunteers of all ages and from both congregations helped Sunday.
“I think this is a good idea, because it helps a lot of people,” said 9-year-old Marit Block, who served dinners and removed dirty plates. “It’s Easter. People need to have fun on Easter.”
Other volunteers said it made them feel good.
“A lot of people probably sit at home hungry, with no one to talk to,” said volunteer Dave Rabe. “Here, they can at least meet some people and get a meal. It makes it a little better holiday for them.”
Some guests agreed that their Easter holiday was much more enjoyable because of the dinner.
“I was over by Cup o’ Joy and I saw the sign for the Easter dinner,” said Doug Soderberg of Green Bay. “I wanted to come out and celebrate Easter, and I had no place else to go. I couldn’t make it south to spend Easter with my family.”
