At Saint Luke Episcopal Church in Mount Joy, one Tuesday stands out from the rest.

The church, located at 209 S. Market St., will hold its annual Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper on Tuesday, March 4, from 4 to 7 p.m. The meal will celebrate Mardi Gras and mark the beginning of the Lenten season.

The menu will include all-you-can-eat pancakes, link sausages, a fresh fruit cup and beverages. Shrimp and grits will be served as an a la carte option.

As Lynn McCleary, senior warden at the church, explained, the Southern appeal of the a la carte choice has been popular with guests in previous years - and she should know.

"The shrimp and grits bring flavors and textures you won't soon forget, made lovingly by (me)," she said.

Along with the meal, visitors are invited to tour the historic church building.

"Saint Luke has a rich history and the sanctuary is beautiful and welcoming," McCleary shared. "The tour can be guided or self-guided."

The Rev. Martha Harris will also be available to offer private prayers for anyone seeking spiritual reflection.

Shrove Tuesday, commonly known as Mardi Gras, marks the final day of Ordinary Time before the Christian season of Lent begins the next day, Ash Wednesday. Observed worldwide under various names - including Fastnacht in Switzerland and parts of Germany and Sprengidagur in Iceland - the tradition often includes feasting and emptying the larders before the solemnity of Lent, a period of fasting and reflection leading up to Easter.

The Shrove Tuesday meal at Saint Luke has been popular in the past, and McCleary expects a good crowd this year as well.

"We welcomed 100 guests last year, and it was a festive and filling experience for all involved," she said.

Holding the meal allows the church to interact with the wider community and raise funds for on-site projects.

"We are a small congregation looking to raise money for our stained-glass window repair project," she shared. "We strive to make a positive impact on our community, and good food has a way of bringing people together. Come hungry, bring friends and enjoy an evening of food, fellowship, fun and festivity."

The social hall and church sanctuary are fully handicapped-accessible via an elevator, and on-street parking is available. Tickets for the supper may be reserved by calling or texting Gail Fridy at 717-538-0810. Reservations are preferred, but walks-ins are welcome.

For more information, visit https://saintlukemountjoy.org or search for "St. Luke's Episcopal Church (Mt. Joy, PA)" on Facebook.