NEWTON, KS
The Newton New Mennonite Church has just launched an innovative new program meant to encourage church-goers to get to know each other better. In the program, members sign up to host perfect strangers who plan to eat dinner and overstay their welcome. It’s called “Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner and Staying All Night?”
“All we know is it’s a family of four and one’s allergic to peanuts,” said host Mrs. Penner. “Other than that we have no clue who’s coming for dinner and staying all night this time.”
Mrs. Penner says she’s very excited to get to know people in her local church.
“What better way to fellowship than by staying up til 2 in the morning because the Friesens just won’t leave?” said Mrs. Penner. “It’s no problem. I’ve got a Queen size bed. We can all squeeze in.”
This time around Mrs. Penner plans to serve her delicious pork chops and potatoes, though her husband Frank says that may be part of the problem.
“You don’t see the Jantzens with this kind of problem. No one stays extra late if all you’re serving is reheated pizza,” says Frank. “I think we could learn a thing or two from the Jantzens.”
Mr. Penner says that next time he plans to sign up to be a visitor rather than a host and is already packing his suitcase for a long weekend at the Ungers.