HTC Churches Serve Up Nearly $30,000 for Local Missions
Volunteers at First UMC Stephenville host the 38th Annual Baked Potato Lunch Mission Fund-Raiser
Two Horizon Texas Conference congregations recently demonstrated that a good meal and a generous spirit can go a long way, together raising nearly $30,000 for local missions through beloved annual fundraising luncheons.
First UMC Stephenville held its 38th annual Baked Potato Lunch Mission Fund-Raiser on March 3, raising $15,000 after expenses. Across the conference in Gainesville, Whaley UMC’s storied Chicken Spaghetti Dinner — a tradition spanning more than 30 years — brought in just over $14,000.
Warm Hearts and Hot Potatoes in Stephenville
Volunteers of all ages at First UMC Stephenville washed, baked and dressed potatoes; heated chili; baked cookies; assembled lunches; and delivered meals to schools and businesses throughout the community. More than 1,200 lunches were sold, with unsold portions donated to Foster's Home, the Stephenville Police and Fire departments, and Tarleton State University.
The church distributed proceeds to four local missions: the First UMC/First Presbyterian Church Tree House After-School Program, Backpack Buddies of Erath County, First UMC's Love Thy Neighbor Clothes Closet, and St. Luke Episcopal Church's Food Pantry.
The event relied on generous community partners. Signs Express updated yard signs used to advertise the event; Schreiber Foods donated cheese; Peacock's Restaurant contributed chili, butter, sour cream and all container supplies; and Purple Goat Restaurant provided potatoes at minimal cost.
The congregation has already marked their calendars for the 39th annual Baked Potato Lunch Mission Event on March 2, 2027.
Sacred Tradition in Gainesville
At Whaley UMC in Gainesville, Chicken Spaghetti is, as the congregation likes to say, something of a "sacred cow" — with the emphasis on sacred.
The entirely laity-run event welcomes the broader community into the church's fellowship hall, where guests can dine in, carry out or purchase frozen portions in advance. A country store runs alongside the meal, offering handmade items, including caramels, welded crosses, jams and jellies, hand-carved wooden items, wreaths and table runners, donated by church members, with all proceeds added to the fundraising total.
This year's dinner, hosted March 26, benefitted five local charities: VISTO, CASA, Boys and Girls Club, Abigail's Arms and Noah's Ark.
Rev. Melissa Hatch, who is in her first year appointed at Whaley, said she watched the event unfold with admiration.
"I was amazed at the well-oiled machine," Hatch said. "Almost everyone in the church has a part — either ahead of time, the week of, or during the actual dinner. This pastor only needed to cheer from the sidelines. I was beyond proud of the people of Whaley."
Mission in Action
Together, the two luncheons reflect a hallmark of United Methodist ministry — meeting community needs through the gifts of hospitality, generosity and neighborly love.
Rev. Marilyn Jones, First UMC Stephenville, and Rev. Melissa Hatch, Whaley UMC, contributed to this story.