HANCOCK COUNTY — The smell of sauerkraut wafting through the fellowship hall was a sure sign that German Fest had returned to Faith Lutheran Church in Greenfield last weekend.
Guests were greeted by the pungent aroma as they filed into the hall Saturday, Sept. 30 for an authentic German meal, featuring pork loin, bratwurst and German potato salad, among other dishes.
Similar sights and smells could also be found that same day at Zion Lutheran Church in New Palestine, where guests enjoyed traditional German fare celebrating the Lutheran church’s heritage.
Cross of Grace Lutheran church, also in New Palestine, will host a German-themed Oktoberfest party Sunday, Oct. 29.
Members say German festivals are a fun, meaningful tradition worldwide for Lutheran churches, whose history can be traced back to the Reformation led by Martin Luther starting in northern Germany in 1517.
Although Chuck Jones has no German ancestry, the Faith Lutheran member was enjoying his meal at the church on Saturday.
“It’s great. Everything is delicious,” said Jones as he dined on bratwurst and potato salad with a table full of friends.
Church leaders say fellowship is at the root of German fests in the Lutheran church, along with celebrating the church’s German heritage.
While those gathered at Faith Lutheran and Zion Lutheran last weekend gathered for a meal, members of Cross of Grace will gather Oct. 29 for an Oktoberfest celebration featuring children’s activities, hymn singing, musical performances and a traditional German meal, including beer.
Guests are also invited to play in a card tournament as part of a fundraiser to support the church’s house-building ministry in Haiti.
At Faith Lutheran, the annual German Fest raises money for the church’s preschool.
Last weekend marked the first time Faith Lutheran’s fundraiser had been held in person since the COVID pandemic canceled the meal in 2020 and turned it into a drive-through only event the past two years.
Church member and German Fest volunteer Debbie Dishman said she was happy to see people gathered once again in the fellowship hall.
“Everyone seemed eager to get together in person again, and it’s been great,” said Dishman, as she refilled a large bowl of coleslaw.
Zion Lutheran Church provided its 47th annual German Fest dinner free of charge as a means of promoting fellowship and engaging the public. A German band provided the entertainment while guests enjoyed a meal of authentic German cuisine like sauerbraten, schinken and sauerkraut.
Mark Havel, lead pastor at Cross of Grace, hopes a big crowd will turn out for the church’s Oktoberfest taking place from 5-11 p.m. Oct. 29.
“It takes place on Reformation Sunday every year, which is a big day in the life of Lutheran people,” he said.
Music starts at 5 p.m. followed by dinner at 6 p.m., which costs $11 per person for those over 18. Youth eat free. Proceeds from the dinner, raffles and a cornhole tournament will support a 2024 youth trip, while proceeds from that night’s card tournament will support the church’s Haiti ministry.
Cross of Grace is at 3519 S. 600 West in New Palestine. For more information on its Oktoberfest party, which is open to the public, visit crossofgrace.org or call 317-861-0977.
