Smorgasbord

Q:  What is a Smorgasbord?
A:   A genuine Smorgasbord is a table full of specially prepared Scandinavian foods, lovingly and proudly prepared, and laid out for all to see and share.  The key to a good smorgasbord for many, is you eat what you like, the way you like it, in any amount you want.  

An Immanuel smorgasbord however, will fill not only your stomach…but your soul.  An Immanuel smorgasbord isn’t about “me”, but rather us. We come less to get, and more to share the best we have to offer. It’s about building a community through a shared meal among our church family, neighbors, and acquaintances who may have been strangers up to now.  An Immanuel Smorgasbord strengthens the bond of old friends, and helps makes new one. It is a fellowship meal at is finest. Our delight is not only sharing our foods, our delight is in each other.  At an Immanuel smorgasbord we’re praising the God who in Jesus has chosen to fellowship with us, and the Holy Spirit who makes our fellowship with God and one another filled with a blessedness we could not possibly create ourselves.  An Immanuel smorgasbord jump starts the season of Advent!

Q: What is Advent? 
 A: The time of preparation for the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ at Christmas. A time for Hope, Peace, Joy and Love.

Q: When is the Smorgasbord?
A: Thursday, December 7 beginning at 5pm

Q: What is the cost?
A: $35 if you simply want to attend; $20 if you provide a service. There are many service opportunities beyond bringing food. Simply inquire at the ticket counter before or after worship.

Q: Is there transportation for the event?
A: If you have a concern with nighttime driving, we do have a few drivers who are willing to chauffeur you

Q: Why should I attend?
A: To share in God’s love and grace, because our unity is in Christ, and to experience hope, peace, joy and love together

Seating is limited to 200 guests so please secure your tickets promptly.

MENU

WHY A SMORGASBORD, WHY LUTEFISK?

Before the Reformation in 1536, lent was observed from the 1st of December to Christmas Day. During lent, Christians were only permitted to eat fish, including on Christmas Eve. Even though the Scandinavians countries have a long coastline, it could be difficult for a lot of people to get hold of fresh fish in time for the festive Christmas dinner. So they found new ways to utilize preserved fish instead. The popular choice was Lutefisk.

To date, Lutefisk is a very unique Scandinavian Christmas tradition. Lutefisk is stockfish that has been soaked in water, placed in lye, and then soaked in water again!  How on earth did someone come up with such a strange idea? And although ‘strange’, Lutefisk is one of the longest standing Scandinavian Christmas traditions, and is considered, by many, to be the original Norwegian/Swedish Christmas dinner.  Many Scandinavians gather annually for a lutefisk dinner, in December, to celebrate Advent and the festive season. Many Scandinavian restaurants have it on their menu as a seasonal speciality.  Its unusual consistency might be a challenge for unaccustomed pallets. There is even division among the Scandinavians, who tend to love it or hate it.

But one thing everyone agrees on is that a lot of magic lies in the delicious side dishes. Do you dare try the most quintessentially Scandinavian Christmas Lutefisk? Whether you love it or hate it, or simply want to try it for the first time, please join us for the delicious side dishes of herring, Swedish meatballs, potato sausage, beets, boiled potatoes, rutabaga, fruit soup, rommegrot, Scandinavian cookies and more.

We look forward to your presence for the traditional Scandinavian dinner followed by beautiful holiday music!

And Yes, There Are Volunteer Opportunities!  If you are not interested in attending the Smorgasbord, consider one of these fun opportunities:

• Kitchen Prep & Assist With Serving Food - 4:00 to 7:00pm
• Kitchen & Dining Room Clean Up - 7:00 to 9:00pm
• Serve/Provide Refills On Coffee & Water 7:00 to 8:30pm

To volunteer SIGNUP BELOW and a member of the committee will contact you with more information.

For more information contact Bev Lohs, lohsbev@gmail.com