St. John's has a tradition of German culture and one of the best ways that is shown (in my opinion) is the cooking! We do have services in the German language four times a year and hold an "Adventsfreier mit Kaffetaffle" in December. At Christmas worship, hymns are sung in both English and German, often simultaneously!
Lately, we added a celebration of Oktoberfest to this. The dinner is well attended and quite enjoyable. Generally it consists of one or two types of sausage, hot potato salad, sauerkraut, rolls, and apple crumble. It really can't be beat.
Beth took some photos this year, and I'd like to share some of them.
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| Jon and Dick in full traditional attire. No one shows up in their full tradional "Siebenbergishen Sachsen" folk clothing. (the "Trachten") I think it's too expensive to get anything spilled on and some folks, although German, are not Transylvanian German. Their liederhosen are very authentic and Jon has been collecting pins for his hat for years. |
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I am obviously neither Saxon or Lithuanian German. To honour their heritage, I wear my own traditional garb.
With grandparents named Daily, Dever, McIllarney, and Goldsworthy. I have to let my Celt flag fly in saffron kilt,
hose, sporran, Sghian Dubh (the knife in the sock), and caubeen... with various badges. |
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| The apple crisp had MANY customers. It was excellent. |
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| Why does it get so quiet when the meal is served? It was set up buffet-style. Jon had Oktoberfest music playing from a boom-box and it set the mood nicely. |
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| Everyone gets their turn. |
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| The dessert table was a favourite place. |
Not all traditions are healthy, but there are traditions that are worthwhile. I hope this one keeps on.
It's a good way to celebrate the congregation's heritage... and tasty, too!
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