CAMDEN — The First Congregational Church of Camden is gearing up to once again host a community hot soup luncheon every Wednesday at 12 noon, beginning October 24 and running through March 27, 2019.

Before the fourteenth season officially commences, the church is offering several programs in which members of the community may wish to participate.

Anyone interested in becoming a Soup’s On! cook this season, note that a “Soup Making Seminar” will be held on Wednesday, October 10, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., in the church kitchen.

Come get some valuable tips and ideas from two of the soup makers. They'll show you the ins and outs so that you will feel totally comfortable at the stove. The morning will culminate in a delicious lunch that you’ve helped prepare! 

Also, there will be a concert to benefit Soup’s On! in the church sanctuary on Sunday, Oct. 14 at 4 p.m. The concert will feature “Great Movie Songs of the Past,” presented by Play It Forward Music Company, featuring Maryann Jacks, Matt Mainster, and many other local musicians.

Suggested donation is $10 at the door.

About Soup’s On!

The free lunch program was started by the Congregational Church in the fall of 2005 as a community gesture to fight the winter doldrums while providing a nutritious hot meal to those in need, those who are lonely, and for those who simply enjoy the company of others while eating.  

The meal is served in the church hall at 55 Elm Street, Camden. The soup lunch features a choice of two homemade soups (one vegetarian), bread, dessert, and coffee or tea. Diners are often treated to musical accompaniment from a variety of local talents. There is no charge for the meal, though donations are gratefully accepted to help defray the cost of the food. 

A weekly crew of 18 volunteers served lunch to an average of 65 guests each week during the 2017-2018 season. Now entering its fourteenth season, the program will be offered on twenty-one Wednesdays, from October 24, 2018 through March 27, 2019.

Due to the holidays, there will be no lunches served on November 21 or December 26. Any snow day cancellations will follow the Camden area school district.

“We are grateful for the opportunity to provide a weekly community gathering place, and we hope that everyone will feel comfortable coming to share some delicious, homemade soups,” said the program’s Soupervisor, Debbi Hitchings, in a news release. “Through the generosity of our loyal volunteers, other local churches and local food purveyors, this program has become a true mark of hospitality for our community.”  

New volunteers are always welcome to join the team as chefs, bakers, servers, wait staff, greeters, clean up crew, and musicians.  Anyone and everyone--from all age groups and walks of life -- is always welcome to share in the lunch or help make Soup's On! happen.

For more information about the program, to attend the Soup Making Seminar, and to volunteer, contact The First Congregational Church, at 236-4821.