At 5:30, Saturday, July 11, the John Street United Methodist Church, 98 John Street, Camden, will host its monthly bean and casserole dinner.  The date was moved to the 11^th to avoid a conflict with Fourth of July activities. There will be only one seating, so diners are advised to arrive early to 

 be assured a seat.

It is traditional to select a piece of homemade pie before finding a seat at the long tables.  People tend to enjoy the “dessert first” routine, and some go right ahead and eat it while they are waiting for the main course to be served.  

The supper opens with some corny jokes and drawing of a ticket to entitle the lucky holder to a free supper at a later date.  Then Grace is said, and bowls of food are placed on the tables.  Home-baked beans lead the menu, accompanied by a wide variety of hot casseroles and chilled salads.  Popular dishes include corn, clam, chicken, broccoli, and Mexican, with jello, tossed, oriental and potato salads. 

Families are welcome to join the crowd that fills the chairs, visiting with friends and meeting new ones as they pass the food family-style.  Cost is $8 per adult $5 per child under age 13.  Proceeds support the church in its missions.