Taste of the Faiths feeds tummy, soul

STAFF REPORT

YOUNGSTOWN — Church food specialties were featured at the Taste of the Faiths Festival on Monday at St. Charles Borromeo Church Hall, 7345 Westview Ave., Boardman.

The event was sponsored by the Mahoning Valley Association of Churches.

Elsie Dursi, director of MVAC, said participation by faith institutions is evidence of the interfaith effort and cooperation in the Valley.

“So many churches have a food specialty ... pizza, Easter bread, kolachi, roast beef and spaghetti dinners,” Dursi said, noting that the festival is a way to share them with people of many faiths in the community. She added the festival also allows people to sample ethnic dishes.

Though the food is the focus, the event also brings people of many faiths together.

Funds from Taste of the Faiths are used to underwrite MVAC programs, which include CROP Walks, talks on ecumenism, bio-ethics workshop and the Mayors’ Prayer Breakfast.

There also were silent and Chinese auctions and entertainment by pianist Betty Jean Williams.

The participating congregations:

First Presbyterian Church, Youngstown: Chicken and biscuits.

First Unitarian Universalist Church, Youngstown: Broccoli salad and homemade bread.

Girard First United Methodist Church, Girard: Ham loaves and HoHo cake.

Heritage Presbyterian Church, Boardman: Veggie pizza and relish tray.

Islamic Society of Youngstown: Grape leaves and baklava.

Martin Luther Lutheran Church, Youngstown: Spinach salad and peach cobbler.

New Bethel Baptist Church, Youngstown: Peach cobbler and sweet-potato pie.

Poland Presbyterian Church, Poland: Scottish shortbread and buckeyes.

St. Anthony of Padua Church, Youngstown: Pizza appetizers.

St. Charles Borromeo Church, Boardman: Stromboli hors d’oeuvres and beverages.

St. James Episcopal Church, Boardman: Cider and Washington cakes.

St. Luke Church, Boardman: Kolachi.

St. Nicholas Church, Struthers: Haluski and pizzelles.

Ursuline Sisters, Youngstown: Cookies and nut breads.

Woodworth Church of the Brethren, Youngstown: Chicken casserole and apple-butter cookies.

Other participants: Jorgine’s Deli, Youngstown, green salad; and Kravitz Deli, Liberty, Israeli salads and minibagels.