RAYMOND — The next Raymond Village Community Church free community meal — a post St. Paddy’s Day corned beef and cabbage repast — from 5 to 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 20, at the church.
The church is at 27 Main St. (Route 121), one-quarter mile east of Roosevelt Trail (U.S. Route 302).
The famous St. Patrick’s Day “Irish” corned beef and cabbage meal is actually an American dish, which also goes by another name — a New England boiled dinner. It doesn’t really matter what you call it, because either way, it’s still a delicious blend of corned beef, cabbage, potatoes and carrots, simmered in a fragrant mix of spices and served up piping hot.
Whether you’re Irish, a multi-generational Mainer, or anyone in the area who just likes really good food and a really good time, the church cordially invites you to celebrate community at a free community friendship meal on the first day of spring.
“Come one, come all. All are welcome in this place,” said the Rev. Nancy Foran. “We’re starting small, but our goal is to have everyone in the area — Raymond and beyond — attend these meals and, in the process, feel more a part of this wonderful region of Maine.”
For those interested in the history: While the Irish did have a boiled meal, the meat was usually a cut of pork called “Irish Bacon” — with pork being much cheaper than beef in Ireland at the time. However, when the Irish came to the U.S., beef was cheaper, and corned beef was substituted, becoming wildly popular throughout New England.
For information, contact Foran at nancy1@maine.rr.com or at 207-655-7749.
Raymond Village Community Church is a United Church of Christ congregation. It is a diverse faith community embracing tolerance, committed to service and outreach, singing joyfully, devoted to the local community, and welcoming all people no matter who they are or where they are on their spiritual journey.
