LOCKPORT —
Frank Disinger showed off a story-telling medal he received in Gonsenheim, Germany in 1975 from a town that has been celebrating Shrove Tuesday for 1,200 years
The Emmanuel United Methodist Church has been celebrating its Mardi Gras, Shrove Tuesday, Fat Tuesday or Pancake Tuesday, for about 20 years to mark the last day before Lent. Christians around the world begin fasting today, Ash Wednesday.
Families gathered at the Fellowship Room at the East Avenue church for pancakes, sausage, cupcakes and games. Pancake relay races and piñata pokes were designed for the children, but adults were provoked into participating.
Children painted masks and wore green beads. Gold coins decorated the tables and balloons hung from the ceiling. The piñata hung from the basketball rim waiting to rain candy on the children.
A king and queen were selected and there was a brief service.
Kim Richbart, the Christian Education Coordinator, runs the show.
“It’s the most fun I have all year because it’s the only chance we have to dirty up the church,” said Richbart who brought her four children, Alexis, 17; Hayley, 15; Joshua, 12; and Zachery, 10.
“Everybody knows she’s crazy,” said Norm Wolcott, a member of the church who directs the pancake servers. “We all love her.”
The Richbarts live in Barker and the kids have been coming to Emmanuel United Methodist Church most of their lives. Alexis has become “really good” at the pancake flipping relay — if she does say so herself.
“We get physical and push people,” said Alexis who plans to be an architect. “I just pick the best team and go.” The prize is bragging rights — along with the pancakes used in the race, which have been beaten up and usually dropped on the floor.
Alexis also runs the power point and serves as an acolyte at church services.
“Mostly it’s just for fun,” said Magnus Cleveland, 13, who attends North Park Middle School. “You take the pancakes in a frying pan and run down and back. You have to flip it.”
“You walk fast,” said Abby Cleveland, 15. “If you run, you fall.”
Kim Richbart tries to get everyone in the game by chanting their names. She claims to have forced the pastor into competition.
Eighth-graders from the confirmation class pick the queen and king. Dave Cleveland, the son of retired pastor Fay Cleveland, has been selected king and has also won the pancake flipping crown with his team.
The United Methodist Men, under the direction of Roger Nelson, prepared the pancakes and sausage.
The 55th annual Community Lenten Luncheon Series begins today at noon. Wayne Jagow, the Niagara County Clerk, will speak.
Local News
Related Photos
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PILE OF CAKES: Pancakes came out of the kitchen in piles at Emmanuel. Scott Leffler/STAFF
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ALL LINED UP: Kids await their turn to have a crack at the piñata during Emmanuel United Methodist Church’s Shrove Tuesday celebrations. As it turned out, that piñata was mighty strong. The kids broke two sticks before the piñata burst. Scott Leffler/STAFF
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KING OF KINGS: There were plenty of crowns and Mardi Gras decorations at Emmanuel United Methodist Church’s Shrove Tuesday celebrations. Scott Leffler/STAFF
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THE REASON: Emmanuel United Methodist Church’s festivities were mostly geared towards kids, but the reason behind Shrove Tuesday was still there. Scott Leffler/STAFF
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FUN FOR ALL: Two-year-old Alanna Lindemuth makes a mask as part of Emmanuel United Methodist Church’s Shrove Tuesday celebration. Scott Leffler/STAFF
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PANCAKE MAN: Ed Reeb made scores of pancakes for dozens of hungry parishioners at Emmanuel United Methodist Church Tuesday night. Scott Leffler/STAFF
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THE REASON: Emmanuel United Methodist Church’s festivities were mostly geared towards kids, but the reason behind Shrove Tuesday was still there. Scott Leffler/STAFF
Shrove Tuesday feast
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