Central United Methodist Church invites the community to a celebration of Fat Tuesday with a traditional Mardi Gras meal of shrimp and crab gumbo, rice, French bread, and king cake as it works to raise funds for mission projects.

 

Fat Tuesday, also called Shrove, has been celebrated for generations as the final day of Mardi Gras and is followed by Ash Wednesday, beginning the 40 days of Lent prior to Easter Sunday. Pastor Scott Wright said everyone is invited to begin the Lent period while helping to raise funds for mission projects in the community.

 

“Sharing a meal with the community and supporting mission projects at the same time seems like a perfect way to begin the Lenten Period,” said Pastor Scott Wright. “Central has a long tradition of mission projects for area schools, a backpack ministry, supporting local nonprofits such as the Free Clinic of Meridian and Wesley House Community Center, as well as UMC missions, especially disaster relief projects.”

 

Randy Howse, chairman for the event, said residents can choose to dine in the church’s fellowship hall or get their meal to go. Lunch will be served from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., and dinner will run from 5-7 p.m., he said. Delivery is also available for orders of five or more.

 

Tickets are $12 and can be purchased from church members, at the church office, or at the door.