Kings And Queens Of Talent Celebrated During Methodist Mardi Gras
To celebrate the upcoming Lenten season, Newtown United Methodist Church (NUMC) hosted its first “Methodist Mardis Gras” talent show on Saturday, February 23.
Of the 50 people attending, around 15 performed during the event, which ran from 6:30 until 9 pm. There was an array of vocal acts, guitarists, a bagpiper, a poet, a family skit troupe, a trumpet player, and two stand-up comedians.
After the talent show portion of the program, bead-bedecked attendees enjoyed fellowship and traditional Mardis Gras king cake — shipped directly from New Orleans — served in Rauner Hall.
Admission was free, but Pastor Lori Miller and NUMC event organizers gladly accepted donations at the door of nonperishable food items for FAITH Food Pantry. The church Narthex held ten full grocery bags of food by evening’s end.
Newtown United Methodist Church member Chad Goodhue performed on the bagpipes during Methodist Mardi Gras last weekend. Members of the Sandy Hook church were treated to myriad entertainment styles during the first of what organizers hope will become an annual event. (Barb Sibley photo)
NUMC Pastor Lori Miller, second from left, was among those celebrating Methodist Mardi Gras on February 23. Joining Reverend Miller, from left, were Stephen Sibley, Lisa Sampson, Brian Sibley, Chuck Samson, Christopher Samson, and Peggy Ann Rose. (Barb Sibley photo)
From left is Jim Maurer, Marcia Maurer, and Tom DiPaolo, who were among those enjoying king cake straight from New Orleans during Methodist Mardi Gras last weekend. (Barb Sibley photo)