Cooks start prepping for the monthly church supper at the John Street United Methodist Church, 98 John Street, Camden, by soaking beans overnight Friday.  On Saturday morning, those softened beans are placed in slow cookers along with a special mix of seasonings and spices that will produce wonderful aromas throughout the day and delicious baked beans for the supper.  The next supper will start at 5:30 pm, Saturday, October 1.  Diners are advised to arrive early to assure seating at this popular event.

Beans are not the only menu item.  Other dishes to be served family style include ham and cole slaw, a variety of salads including fruit, gelatin and crispy vegetable selections as well as hot home-made casseroles, such as corn, clam, American chop suey, scalloped potatoes, chicken, macaroni and cheese and whatever other dishes the cooks choose to prepare.

Probably the most popular items served are the slices of home-made pies: mincemeat, lemon merengue, apple, blueberry, chocolate cream and pumpkin.  As patrons enter the dining room, they select their pies and carry them to their places at the tables.  It is not unusual for folks to give in to the temptation of the pie and finish it off before dinner is served.

The cost of the dinner is $8 for adults, $5 for children under age 13.