Ecumenical Lenten soup and sermon series led by Red Hatters of Marshall

The Marshall Ministerial Association’s annual Lenten Soup & Sermon Series 2004 took on a new look this year. The soup was prepared by the Marshall Chapter of the Red Hat Society, who are called "Chic HAT-itude of Marshall". They also provided the dining room service. The group was assisted in the kitchen by Mary Jean Coudron, MCCW Pres., Paula Spranger, Cheryl Johnson, Betty Sik, and Franny Andrzejewski. Table setters were Anita DeSmet, Bernadette Brandt, Teresa Laleman, Angie Wyffels, and Mary Coudron. Dan Hennen, and Bob VanLeeuwe also assisted.

Each Wednesday, at 11:30 a.m., two gourmet soups were offered along with different breads, crackers, and garlic crisps. Guests were greeted at the dining room door, and were seated at tables decorated with "meditation centerpieces." The centerpieces, based on the theme the theme, "We are all sacred beings on a human journey," were simply done using clear glass snack trays with matching glass cups, turned on their side, with sugar sand spilling out of the cup onto the plate. Tiny cacti surrounded by small pebbles brought to mind the desert; the hostile ecosystem that is transformed with spring rain, sand warm sunshine, and transitioned into a beautiful living place reminded us of death to life, much like our Lenten journey. These centerpieces were used until the last week of the six, when a palm

branch, placed on a red background, along with Bavarian pretzels was used. These centerpieces served as a progression on our journey through Lent. The red representing the blood, along with the palm frond - the pretzels an old ethnic tradition, used as a reminder to pray.

About 990 people were served during the six "Lenten Series 2004" gatherings.