The First Mennonite Church of Sugarcreek will sponsor their annual Soup & Salad Supper on Wednesday, Oct. 26 in the social hall from 4:30-7 p.m. The event is held each year, but this year, the proceeds will benefit church member Verlon Ewert.

Ewert is a self-employed mechanic from Berlin. When church members discovered he was diagnosed with lung cancer, they wanted to reach out and help him.

“Verlon has no insurance, so everyone at the church has been praying for him,” said Bertie Showers, a fellow parishioner. “Ours is a very caring congregation. We do our best to help our members when they are in need. Verlon cares for his mother, Erma, who is 91 years old. They don’t get to church much anymore because Erma is not able anymore, but we pray for them every Sunday,” said Showers. “He is so dedicated to his mother and has cared for her since his father passed away years ago.”

Despite his illness, Ewert managed to work a shift at the church’s booth at the recent Swiss Festival where they make apple fritters each year. “We were so thrilled he could make it,” said Showers. “We donated part of the proceeds to Verlon.”

The menu for the fundraiser will include three soups, a salad bar and many other varieties of salads and rolls. Coffee and orange drink will be available and pie will be served for dessert. Cash or checks will be accepted and the meal is by donation. Make checks payable to the First Mennonite Church of Sugarcreek and put Benefit for Verlon Ewert in the memo.

The First Mennonite Church of Sugarcreek is located 113 W. Main St. at Sugarcreek. For those unable to attend, donations can be mailed to the church at PO Box 250, Sugarcreek 44681.