Events
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“Creative, funny, heartfelt and highly entertaining”—are just a few of the parting comments offered by audience members at this year’s Women’s Spring event, held April 29 and 30 at West Shore. Up to 1,000 women “Everyone at our table cracked up!” said Alison Mullins who attended with her mom and neighbors. “The best part was that my neighbor is just like the show’s character Paula Preen (portrayed by West Shore’s Julie Van Eman). In the skit, Paula reveals the “Five Never-Do Hospitality Tips”— all totally unattainable and tongue-in-cheek. "Like Julie, my neighbor has the perfect flower garden, an immaculate house, and is an outstanding cook,” adds Alison. “She laughed so hard she cried! Who knew you should never bring your host flowers?” “I hope the audience was able to take away that West Shore has women that enjoy having fun spending time together,” said the show’s co-host Linda Weaver. “Maybe they will see that we are all busy and crazy, but Jesus brings us together to have fellowship and joy.” Co-host Sharon Armstrong believes events like “What’s Cookin’” demonstrate to the community that “going to church” can be fun. “I hope women left that evening seeing that women who love God can laugh with one another,” said Sharon. “Not only do we strengthen our relationship with God but we belong to a community where we can have fun! Sure, there are times when we need each other for support. But every o “What’s Cookin’” special guests, Italian-trained chefs Rynn and Dave Caputo of Caputo Creamery, Spring Grove, PA, treated the audience to a cheese-making demonstration followed by a live cooking segment that filled the sanctuary with the savory aromas of sautéed onion, garlic, tomato and pasta (Spaghetti al Pomodoro recipe). “I didn’t know cheese-making was so easy and nutritious,” commented a guest. “And I can’t wait to do it with the kids at home.” See video of the cheese-making process here. No one left hungry though, thanks to “table hosts” who designed exquisite place settings, from a fanciful 1920s art deco style to a contemporary garden setting complete with miniature-potted plants. Rachel Moury, a table host who also performed vocals in the production, hosted a table of eight women. Her culinary delicacies rendered diners speechless as they savored the fruit and yogurt parfaits, almond biscotti and pistachio-honey cake with berries and cream.
One doesn’t pull off a production of this significance easily. More than 200 volunteers contributed to the success of the annual event, including 60 table hosts, 17 cast members, and 15 crewmembers, in addition to carpenters, lighting engineers, designers, publicists, videographers and more. All put their hearts, hands and feet into the groundbreaking production. Even the ushers, clad in semi-formal attire, came out to add that special touch to West Shore’s Sam Brenize volunteered to organize ushers for the event, which was no small task considering 70 men were needed. “The men added a formality to the evening for the ladies,” said Sam. “It was a pleasure to see the faces of those ladies that had not been here before when you offered to escort them to their table. They were surprised and pleased to be treated as special quests.” Sam was assisted by long-time West Shore member Joe Hollen. The team collaborated with Joe Conrad, principal of the Nativity School, Harrisburg, to sponsor seven male students who would serve as ushers. According to Sam, the students were professional and courteous. Joe, who volunteers with the Nativity School, said that the ladies appreciated the boys’ heart for service. “The evening was a great experience for the boys, and we’re thankful for the positive feedback from the women. One called me to her table and said, ‘We just sent Reakwuan for more cream. Make sure he gets some treats from our tray.’ Enjoy the treats we did, and some more at the table!” More on Joe here.
After showing a video featuring women who had attended Alpha, Nancy invited anyone who had questions about what a personal relationship with Christ is or other questions they might have about a faith in Jesus Christ to come to Alpha. |
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cheered as co-hosts Linda Weaver and Sharon Armstrong, both of West Shore, performed a mock, live taping of “What’s Cookin’ with Sharon and Linda”—a format similar to a mid-morning talk show like Live with Kelly..jpg "Linda and Sharon")
nce in a while we need to laugh, eat, talk, and see that we all struggle with the same things.”
“Each year, the women’s event provides a special opportunity to exercise hospitality,” said Rachel. “I love being able to bring friends together from different parts of my life to just relax, have fun, and even try something new. Now I can’t wait to have some of them over to my house to stretch homemade Caputo Brothers cheese!” .jpg "Linda and Sharon")
“What’s Cookin’.” .jpg)
The evening was topped off by closing remarks offered by Director of Women’s Ministry Nancy Makowski, who inspired all with her simple yet inviting message. “We get hungry not just for the food but for the relationships that occur when we sit around the table with family and friends,” shared Nancy. “Each year we invite you to enjoy wonderful desserts but also to experience God’s love and hospitality.” 
