St. Paul United Church of Christ in Monee will seat diners inside again at its annual pork chop dinner, the first full dine-in version since 2018, a church leader said.
The fundraiser for the church’s general fund is scheduled for 4 to 6 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 10, at the church, 5323 W. Margaret St. Tickets are $20.
“We want to bring back the fellowship of coming together to share a meal,” said Christi Holston, vice president of the church council. Carry-out will also be available, she said.
The menu includes two grilled pork chops, cheesy potatoes, green beans with bacon, a roll, and a choice of homemade pies, cakes and other desserts.
The church’s Men’s Club grills the chops. This year’s grillers include Gary Ramirez, Dick Powell, Bob Paterson, Ron Mansmith and Len Lech, Holston said.
“The Will County Farm Bureau special seasoning blend has already been purchased. We wouldn’t dare mess with success,” she said.
The church held its first pork chop dinner in 2009 and served 400 diners, Holston said. Attendance peaked in 2018 at more than 900 people, and the crowd grew too big for dine-in alone, so the church added carry-out. She estimated the dinner has served about 9,000 pork chops over the years.
This year’s dinner will be the first for the church’s new pastor.
“He may put his hand to the grill, but he will also be out front greeting our guests and working with me in the dining room,” Holston said. “It will be an opportunity for the community to meet him and his lovely family.”
For tickets or information, call the church office at 708-534-8471.