As the first Saturday in each month rolls around, cooks at the John Street United Methodist Church, 98 John Street, Camden, begin preparing for their public bean and casserole dinner.  At 5:30, May 3, supper will be served family-style.  Chances are, those who arrive alone will feel like family as they engage in conversation, pass the dishes and enjoy the food together.

The menu varies according to the home cooks who prepare the salads and casseroles.  Generally, there will be crisp salads and jellied salads of all flavors plus pasta, veggie and meat casseroles.  The homemade pies come in varieties of fruit or pudding flavors

Servers not only deliver beans, salads and casseroles to the tables, but upon request, they will seek out specific dishes, such as clam or corn casseroles that might be on another table.  The “pie first” tradition appeals to diners who make their selections as they arrive, and may even eat it first.  Cost for the meal is $8, $5 for children under age 12.

John Street United Methodist Church

98 John Street

Camden, Maine 04843