West Barre church planning spring gala on April 22

Provided photos: (Left) Shania and Adele Mathes dressed up for the West Barre Methodist Church’s spring gala last year. (Right) Rose English, left, and Kim Heiler, right, are joined by two friends at last year’s spring gala at the West Barre Methodist Church. This year’s event is April 22.

WEST BARRE – The West Barre Methodist Church is welcoming spring with a festive gala on April 22.

Prior to the pandemic, the church sponsored the spring event as a Mother/Daughter Banquet, but last year decided to try and involve more of the community, said Sharon Miller, who heads a planning committee and also chairs a basket raffle.

Theme for the event is “Earth is God’s Gift,” and featured speakers will present a program related to that theme.

The gala will run from 4 to 7 p.m., with a dinner catered by Vickie Scroger. Those wishing to buy tickets should contact Alice Mathes at (585) 738-2976 or Miller at (585) 813-4826 and indicate their choice of roast beef or chicken French. Cost is $20 for adults and $10 for children 10 and younger.

Speakers will be Dee Robinson, a historian and librarian, who will talk about the “Language of Flowers,” and Lenore Markle, who will share information about soil, trees and flowers.

The church’s men’s group will serve the meal and clean up, Miller said. Money from their events goes in the general fund.

The church’s Hospitality Committee has a busy schedule planned for the spring and summer. On May 7, special music at their 9:30 a.m. service will feature the Pine Ridge Boys.

Sundays in the Park will feature music, hot dogs and a beverage. They run from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. on July 16, July 30, Aug. 6 and Aug. 13. The church will accept donations for the Orleans Food Pantry and backpack program, as well as books for CareNet kids.