For more than 15 years, St. John's Episcopal Church in Marietta has been hosting a spring pancake breakfast. This year, the event, to be held from 8 to 10 a.m. on Saturday, April 1, will feature some special guests - baby lambs.

"We were planning for this year's breakfast, and our minister said, 'A bunny really is not a religious symbol of Easter,'" recalled committee member Nancy Kulman. "He challenged us to come up with a better symbol than the Easter Bunny." The group came up with the idea of a lamb because the animal has a religious significance, she said, but then the real challenge began. "We had to find a lamb," Kulman stated with a laugh.

It turned out the church organist raises sheep, and he had a mother ewe and baby lamb the church could use for the event. The committee also learned that a member of the vestry had a baby lamb as well. "We're planning to have the mom and baby outside, weather permitting, and then we'll have another baby lamb inside," Kulman shared. "People can take pictures and pet the animals."

The breakfast will feature pancakes, sausage, fresh fruit, juice, coffee and treats. "We'll give out some candy to all the kids as well," Kulman remarked. From 9:30 to 10 a.m., people will be invited to color Easter eggs to take home with them. "Our sanctuary will also be open if anyone wants to look in," she said.

There are separate fees for adults and for children ages 5 to 12 for the breakfast. There is no charge for children age 4 and under. There are no advance tickets for the breakfast, and cash will be accepted at the door. People should park on the street and use the side entrance to the church on South Chestnut Street. The church is located at 239 E. Market St., Marietta.

"This is a time of fellowship," Kulman said, describing the breakfast. "It's a friendly community event that's very warm and welcoming to everyone."

For more information on the breakfast, call the church at 717-426-3189.