wfn.org | UCC Synod includes traditional Rhode Island Lobster Bake

[George Conklin <gconklin@wfn.org>]

United Church of Christ
Office of Communication
700 Prospect Ave.
Cleveland, OH 44115
contact: Barbara Powell
phone: 216-736-2222
email: powellb@ucc.org
http://www.ucc.org

Lobster with a Plastic Fork? Synod Rolls up its Sleeves
by Pam Smith
PROVIDENCE, RI - July 3, 1999 - Imagine this potentially disastrous scenario: a
hungry Southwest Conference visitor, a Lobster dinner, and a plastic fork. But
Saturday evening’s Rhode Island Conference-sponsored “traditional New England
Lobster Bake” was anything but disastrous as locals patiently instructed
newcomers on the etiquette of dismembering lobsters and 1,000 lucky
ticketholders savored lobster (or chicken)  accompanied by chowder (or
“chowdah”), corn-on-the-cob, clam cakes and watermelon..
        Rhode Island Conference Minister the Rev. Daehler Hayes wanted visitors
“to experience the New England flavor” and, towards that end, two local bands
provided entertainment: Change of Pace, featuring Wayne Patenaude of Park Place
UCC and The Parallel String Band anchored by Rev. John Vincze, the Senior
Pastor of the Kingston Congregational UCC.
        Butter covered lobsters and chins, piles of lobster shells and corn
cobs
accumulated on tables while longtime friends reminisced and new friendships
were formed. Thanks to the Rhode Island Conference, Dinner Chair Todd Moore of
United Congregational UCC in Little Compton and all the volunteers for an
unforgettable, unique evening.