Like many congregations, the members of St. Luke Episcopal Church in Mount Joy have noticed a decline in attendance to Sunday services. Hoping to remedy the problem and bring people into the church, they are bringing back their Mardi Gras Pancake Supper, with a twist. This year's event will feature shrimp and grits in a nod to New Orleans.

The supper will be served on Tuesday, Feb. 13, from 5 to 7 p.m. at the church, 209 S. Market St., Mount Joy.

As in the past, pancakes will be served in three varieties: plain, blueberry and chocolate chip. Crepes will also be served and may be ordered plain or with fruity pie filling. Maple link sausages, homemade fruit salad and shrimp and grits will round out the menu, and a variety of beverages, including coffee, hot tea and cold drinks, will be served as well. Girl Scouts from Trinity Lutheran Church in Mount Joy will help to serve the meal. Dog treats will be available to purchase separately for four-legged family members left at home during the event.

There are separate prices for adults and children ages 5 to 12, and the meal is free for children under age 5, said Lynn McCleary, senior warden. "We chose to make the meal affordable so families can come out and enjoy the event," she stated, "but this is a fundraiser offering beautifully filled Longaberger baskets." As people enjoy the meal and peruse the baskets, which will be available via giveaway drawings, New Orleans jazz music will add to the atmosphere, McCleary said.

Holding the event on the Tuesday before the beginning of Lent is intentional, she noted. "Shrove Tuesday is a Christian festival celebrated in many countries across the globe," she explained. "Shrove Tuesday is when the larders are emptied of baking supplies, as during Lent, Christians give up luxuries to remember when Jesus went into the desert for 40 days to fast and pray."

McCleary added that people in other countries mark the date with their own celebrations. "In Germany, for example, it's called 'Fastnacht' - meaning 'Eve of the Fast' - and in Iceland it's called 'Sprengidagur' - meaning 'Bursting Day,'" she shared. "In France and some other parts of the world, the festival is called 'Mardi Gras' from the French phrase meaning 'Fat Tuesday.' And for many people, Mardi Gras means party time!"

She hopes that people will bring that spirit to the meal at St. Luke. "Saint Luke Episcopal Church is a small congregation of fun-loving people who welcome everyone, no exceptions, with open arms and warm hearts," she commented. "During the Mardi Gras celebration, tours of the historic church building will be offered, as well as private prayer for those in need, by the Rev. Martha Harris."

Church parking is available on the street, and there is an elevator for easy access to both the social hall and the sanctuary. Tickets for the meal may be ordered by calling or texting Gail Fridy at 717-538-0810. A few tickets will be available at the door as well. For more information on community events and worship opportunities at the church, search for "St. Luke's Episcopal Church (Mt. Joy, PA)" on Facebook.