A Beautiful Love Works event at Ellendale United Methodist Church

A “Love Works” fundraiser at the Ellendale United Methodist Church the evening of Feb. 15 included a full roster of happenings in support of two charitable organizations, Finly’s Wings at Work of Ellendale and Rachel’s Light, based in Owatonna. The evening’s schedule included entertainment, music, valuable raffle items, a guest speaker and a next-level dinner with service and decorations to match.

Planners for the evening were given the task of inviting five people. Those issuing the invitations not only provided the needed plates and silverware for their table of guests, they personally delivered their meals and bused their tables, each of which was decorated on an individual theme.  Lights were hung from the ceiling to create an intimate, cozy ambiance. 

The evening’s entertainment began at 5:25 p.m. JOY Trio kicked things off by singing “Loving God, Loving Each Other.” All guests took part in a table prayer before being dismissed to the dining hall. The meal included a green salad, stuffed pork chops, baked potatoes, glazed carrots and a dinner roll. Diners relaxed afterward enjoying dessert and coffee.

Proceeds for the evening went to two organizations. According to its online mission statement, Finly’s Wings at Work (FWAW) ”was founded to give back to children in honor of Finly [Budach, 7] in keeping her precious memory and spirit alive. It is our mission to spread joy, gratitude and purpose through Finly!” 

Proceeds also went to Rachel’s Light of Owatonna; the organization’s website explains it provides temporary housing for otherwise homeless women and their children. 

The three-girl group, JOY Trio, consisting of Diana Foster, Katie Fuller and Mandra Peterson sang 10 songs. Guest speaker Al Batt shared a series of humorous anecdotes.

Karol Foster, one of the heads of the Methodist church’s Nurture Outreach and Witness (NOW) Committee, shared that the Love Works Event is in its fifth year.   She summarized, “Through nurture, outreach and witness, we endeavor to give a beautiful dining experience.” Also working were the rest of the NOW Committee members, Nancy Kepka, Kathy Wayne, Allie Larson, Joyce Richards, Becky Larson, Garry Gordinier, Dianne Lee, Kari Bice and Allie Larson.

Delbert Kepka and Jeff Wayne were in charge of the raffle, offering items including a luggage set, a Minnesota basket, assorted religious candle holders, a basket with 11 different jellies, plates of chocolate covered cherries, a winter warmth basket and more.

The table decorations were an eye-catching feature of the gathering. Among the themes were roses; American flags by Randy Cirksena; cardinal birds by Cynthia Nelson; blue roses by Pat Ceplek;, a fisherman’s table by Heather Blaha; a sheet music table by JOY Trio; pinecones by Ruth Hagen; and fine home dining complete with homemade doilies and fancy china by Pat Beretta. Maryalice Hanson designed a whimsical musical flowers table; Patty and Jody created a “hearts” motif; Laurie Jense used springtime as a theme, Kerry Bice chose the Last Supper.