The first Saturday of each month, March through December, is public supper time at the John Street United Methodist Church, 98 John Street, Camden.  Serving starts at 5:30, but diners are encouraged to arrive early to find a seat.  If a group of people want to sit together, they are encouraged to send in one person early to pay for all in advance and reserve the seats at a table set aside for pre-pays.

The menu varies each month except for the baked beans and ham plus pies for desserts.  Diners may also expect a wide variety of hot casseroles, including clam, corn, American Chop Suey, chicken dishes, ham and scalloped potato, vegetarian and fish.  Salads include potato, spinach, bean, macaroni, noodle, lemon, orange and raspberry, to name a few.

This fare is topped off with home-made pies donated by veteran home-cooks.  Look for apple, rhubarb, mincemeat, pecan, lemon, blueberry and chocolate among the many choices.

As people arrive, they are encouraged to select their pie first, so they won’t have to get up during the meal to get it.  More than a few pie servings are devoured before the introductory jokes, drawing for a free supper and blessing are given.

Cost of the supper is $9 per person, children under 13, $5.  A portion of the proceeds is donated to the Camden Area Christian Food Pantry.