The Grace United Church of Christ spaghetti dinner and basket social, held Nov. 7 in the social hall at 902 Lincoln Ave., Northampton, was a delicious culinary offering. The dinners included spaghetti, a dinner roll and a tasty homemade cookie for dessert. The aroma emanating from the kitchen was inviting.

A beautiful, breezy, seasonal early November day stimulated attendance.

The volunteer team cooking, serving food, clearing tables, assisting with the basket social and selling meal tickets was upbeat and demonstrated teamwork.

Grace UCC dinner co-coordinators Lee Ann Hortman and Natalie Becker were cheerful in their leadership roles as they helped assemble dinners for hungry attendees. Becker also leads the seniors group.

The volunteer church team, all members of the Grace UCC fellowship committee, some who requested anonymity, labored together in synchrony like a fine Swiss watch. They clearly enjoyed their time working with each other.

Sue Kutzler, of Lehigh Township, and Deb Minio, of Northampton, staffed the ticket sales table near the social hall’s entrance doors. They were pleasant as they welcomed patrons to the dinner, proceeds of which were earmarked for the church’s general fund.

Ever-smiling volunteer busboy Charlie Kresge, of Northampton and a parishioner at Grace UCC, placed burgundy place mats and utensils wrapped in a napkin on the tables in the social hall. He appeared content as he performed his important duties.

Don Hortman was busy as a kitchen volunteer in the all-important role as the spaghetti cooker.

Debbie Leavers, of Whitehall, and Joan Matura, of Coplay, labored and enjoyed each other’s company as they discharged their kitchen duties.

Sue Damiter, of Northampton, with a nice smile, staffed the drink table, offering soda, water and tea.

Jeff Engleman and his wife, Phylis, of Coplay, enjoy the well-prepared meals offered at Grace UCC during the year. He purchased two takeout dinners and was happy with the attendance at the dinner. Engleman, an avid Penn State fan, wanted to get his dinners quickly to return home and continue watching the football game.

“Love God with prayer, energy and passion” is Grace UCC’s mission. The church’s welcome statement is “Experience God. Find community. Live your purpose.”

Grace UCC promotes itself as a dynamic church working to be a uniting, multiracial and multicultural inclusive church. A peace and justice church and a church that welcomes all, it is the essence of diversity, equity and inclusion. Visit the church’s website at graceuccchurch.com to review the rich, robust services and activities to join.

In 2026, Grace UCC celebrates 123 years as a faith community serving its members, the borough of Northampton and the communities beyond. This impressive longevity is a testament to many volunteers — past and present — who have committed to making the church a success.

The volunteers at the dinner advanced Grace UCC’s historical legacy of selfless work serving the church and the local community. They created not only a successful fundraising event but also an opportunity for community members to gather together in a friendly atmosphere.