Generations of Faith, Friendship and Fried Oysters at St. John

It started 55 years ago as a charitable way for a seasonal business to cook up some leftover inventory before closing for the winter.

But in the five decades since then, the annual Oyster, Ham or Chicken Dinner at St. John Lutheran Church has become much more.

The dinner is an important fundraiser that has helped the church expand its building at the corner of 10th Street and Central Avenue over the years to include a kitchen and a multipurpose auditorium. The dinner has helped fund local charities — this year's recipients are Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of Atlantic and Cape May Counties and the St. John Lutheran Youth Organization.

Most of all, the dinner is a way for the church community to come together to produce the annual event and for the larger Ocean City community to enjoy participating in it.

This year's dinner took place Monday and Tuesday (Oct. 21 and 22) with St. John serving 500 to 600 meals per night.

Generations of congregation members work the event — with many senior members having participated since the first dinner 55 years ago, often working the same stations year after year.

"For a small congregation, it's amazing what we've done," said Brenda Green, who grew up in the church community with many of the same people who were working on Monday and Tuesday.

Her parents, Will and Brenda Green, are among those like Bob Burman, Donna and Jeff Yerger, Ron and Ginny Gifford, and others who have participated for their entire lives. Families like the Giffords and Adamsons have three generations helping out in different capacities. 

Boyar's Market donates food, cooking equipment and freezer space to help the church meet demand.

In the end, it all comes together to produce a great $12 meal with a lot of great neighbors to share in it.