Chili cook-off includes bear meat, but purpose is to build bridges in community

The event is one in a series of church events designed to connect people in the community.

“We have lunches like these every month. It provides time to build bridges in our community, and we welcome young and old alike,” said associate rector Calvin Lane. “The February chili cook-off is one of these monthly lunches, and always follows our 10:30 service.”

“This was our third annual Chili Cook-Off. At our church we place a strong value on meals and table fellowship,” said rector Ben Phillips. “Our cook-off was free to attend for all and included side dishes, beverages, and desserts to make for a whole meal. Table… Fellowship… Chili!”

The service that day was based on John 1:1-18, “Grace and Truth: the Claims of Jesus in the Gospel of John” given Phillips.

Later this spring the church is hosting a traveling art exhibit, “Come to the Table.” It is from CIVA, Christians in the Visual Arts.

“The exhibit focuses on the biblical themes of table fellowship and God’s welcome. It will be open to the public and features 34 pieces: paintings, drawings, and sculptures,” said Phillips. “The artists will span the early modern period to contemporary.”

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The exhibit is scheduled for April 8 to May 6. It will be free and open to the public on Tuesday and Wednesday evenings. St. George’s Episcopal Church is located at 5520 Far Hills Avenue in Centerville.

For the record: It was Jennifer Miller who used the wild game in her soup at the chili cook-off.

The meat came from a black bear that her father had killed. She was honest about it, too. It was clearly labeled Black Bear Chili.

And the 60 attendees clearly loved it. Out of 10 choices, her unusual soup won third place.

Wendy Thornewill received a trophy for first place. The second-place winner, separated by one vote, was Laura Seeley. Her chili recipe includes chicken, cream cheese and black beans.

All who participated in the contest received a ribbon.

Contact contributing writer Pamela Dillon at pamdillon@woh.rr.com.