By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette
When the RAGBRAI multitude rolls into Guthrie Center on July 20, the scene may be reminiscent of the famous Biblical story in which Jesus miraculously fed the masses with five loaves of bread and two fish.
Experienced RAGBRAI riders often specifically look for church dinners, both as a way to enjoy homemade food and as a way to help the local faith community. Several local churches have signed up to feed the throngs of hungry riders who will be in town that day. Below are the specific plans of four local churches.
HINT: There is no requirement to be a bicyclist to come enjoy a meal from these or any other vendors during RAGBRAI. Everyone is welcome.
First United Methodist Church, 405 Prairie St., Guthrie Center
According to Pastor Dave Morris, the church will serve pita BLTs, along with homemade pies and homemade brownies, all for a freewill donation. Currently, the plan is to serve from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the air-conditioned church basement.
Pastor Morris noted that visitors will also be welcome to view the church’s historic stained-glass windows.
“We have stained-glass in the sanctuary that is over 100 years old. So, everyone can look at those,” he said.
Asked how many meals the church plans to serve, Pastor Morris didn’t have a firm number but said it will definitely be in the hundreds. He added that there will probably be 20 to 30 volunteers on hand at the church on the day of RAGBRAI. He also pointed out that much of the food preparation, especially the pies and brownies, will be baked by church members in their own homes before the event. Pastor Morris said the event could not happen without such helpers, and he said funds raised will help the church meet facility needs, support the Sunday School and VBS programs, and any other needs.
Immanuel Lutheran Church, 713 North 12th St., Guthrie Center
The menu at Immanuel Lutheran Church will include penne pasta (topped with red sauce, hamburger or chicken alfredo), breadsticks, bars, homemade ice cream and chocolate milk. A gluten-free meal is also available.
The meal is offered for a freewill donation, beginning at 1 p.m. Proceeds will support the church.
Bowman Chapel, west of Guthrie Center
As bicyclists near the end of their ride to Guthrie Center, they can partake of snacks at Bowman Chapel, including bars, muffins, pies, protein balls, cookies and water. Kybos (porta-potties) will also be available.
Saint Mary Catholic Church, 603 Main St., Guthrie Center
Guthrie Center’s Saint Mary’s Catholic Church (603 Main St.) is gearing up to serve a crowd on July 20. Geri Thompson, Kim Patrick and Robyn Corkins are among those leading the preparations. Thompson shared details.
Asked about the scope of the meal, Thompson noted the church has held many events in the past but this will be a unique challenge.
“We’ve put on meals before, but not this big,” she said.
Thompson explained the church will offer a beef and noodles meal for $12. It will also include mashed potatoes, green beans, buns, bars and water.
“We’re going to start at noon and go until the last beef and noodles are served,” Thompson said. She added the meal planning is aimed at providing 1,000 meals.
Such an undertaking requires many helpers. Luckily, church members have stepped up to join the effort.
“Between donations and volunteers, we’ve probably got 100 people helping in some way,” Thompson said. “Actually, because our priest takes care of Saint Cecilia’s and Saint Patrick’s also, we have included them in for volunteers and donations because all of the money raised is going to rectory upkeep.”
Besides the meal, Thompson noted the church welcomes everyone to cool off in the church as needed.
“The meal will be in our air-conditioned hall. And we are also housing some RAGBRAI riders,” she said.
There will also be a special worship service.
“We will have a 5 p.m. Mass on that Monday evening,” Thompson said.
With thousands of bicyclists and others coming to town on July 20, Thompson knows the church’s dinner will be just one meal option for the throng, but she expects the beef and noodles to be quickly devoured.
“I’m hoping to be sold out by 3 p.m. so we can get out of there and go down and have some fun,” Thompson said.