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Methodist Men of FUMC back at the griddle for pancake breakfast

After having to postpone last year's annual pancake breakfast due to COVID-19, the Methodist Men of the First United Methodist Church in Chester are very pleased to bring back the popular event Saturday, April 2.

The delicious all-you-can-eat breakfast will take place at the FUMC Fellowship Hall from 6:30-11 a.m.

The menu will consist of the usual pancakes, sausage links, coffee, orange juice and milk. Methodist Men secretary Bob Koenegstein says after trying smaller sausage links for several years, the men have decided to return to the larger, thicker links this year.

"We experimented with smaller sausage links for a year or two because we were having a lot of waste using the bigger, quarter-pound homemade links. Many people stated that they enjoyed the thicker links, so we decided to return to the bigger, thicker links again this year. We listen to our customers' suggestions!"

The cost for the all-you-can-eat breakfast is $9 for adults, $4 for school age children. Children under 5 eat free.

Proceeds go toward funding numerous projects and missions fostered by the UMM, including the Methodist Men's College Scholarships. Over the past 60 years, more than 125 scholarships have been awarded.

The Methodist Men also provide summer Church Camp funding for children and youth who want to attend. The most popular camp attended in this area is the Little Grassy United Methodist Church camp in Makanda. Methodist Men and Women have helped sponsor kids with "camperships" for decades, and have extended the invitations for this summer as well.

Other missions, functions, and organizations the men have supported include the Chester High School Music Department; Little Grassy Methodist Church Camp; Society of St. Andrew Food Program; Midwest Distribution Center; Southern Illinois University Wesley Foundation; United Methodist Women projects; Relay For Life; church improvements; churchwide Easter Sunrise Breakfast; CHS Theatre Productions; church Nativity scene; poinsettias at Christmastime; Our Conference Our Kids program; Hospitality House; Operation Christmas Child; and other First United Methodist Church missions and programs.

"Most people enjoy coming to our breakfast for the great food at a great price," said Pastor Jim Oppedal. "Many also enjoy the great fellowship offered with their meals and have a good time sitting and visiting with friends throughout the morning of the event. All are welcome regardless of their motivations!"

Tickets are on sale at the church office from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday, or from any club member. Walk-ins are encouraged; carryout orders are available by stopping by or calling ahead at (618) 826-2549.