Activities

MCC Meat Canning in Arthur

Somewhere between the mid 50s and the mid 60s this community was first in involved in canning meat for relief under the guidance of M.C.C.  The cattle were purchased locally and slaughtered at a local canning factory, then canned, labeled and shipped to M.C.C. located at Akron, Pennsylvania. Eventually the canning factory closed down and the local efforts of canning meat for M.C.C. relief ended along with it.

 In 1994, Jerry Kuhns was appointed to the Great Lakes Region Board covering seven states, representing the conservative conference.  While serving on the Board, Jerry became excited about the meat canning program that was going on in the four (4) regions across the United States.

With a bit of persuasion on Jerry's part, a local board was formed consisting of Eight (8) members from the local Mennonite and Amish churches and one member from the Thomasboro Illinois area representing the Champaign, Fisher, Dewey and East Bend Mennonite churches.

It is pleasing to see how well the community has responded to this cause; food for relief.  Not only the Mennonites and Amish have responded but the whole community in general.  Most of the canned meat goes to third world countries, however this meat has found it's way to hurricane victims in South Florida, the Gulf Coast and New Orleans.

Ice Cream Social

The Arthur Mennonite Relief Sale's annual ice cream social will be held at the Arthur Community Building on a Monday night in August from 5 P.M. to 8 P.M.  Pulled port BBQ sandwiches will be offered along with locally made and donated cakes and homemade ice cream.

This event allows people to give money, fellowship with the local crowd and to get an early taste of the ice cream flavors planned for the main Relief Sale event. No cost to attend however donations are accepted to raise funds.  These funds will be used to cover pre-sale expenses such as advertizing, paper goods, etc.  Please come as you are and enjoy a relaxed evening of fellowship.

Relief Sale Kick Off

March 27, 2010 was the date of this year's Kick Off event for the Relief Sale.  Entertainers included the Gunnysack Revue, a local group of musicians with varied talents.

The event consists of a dinner often held at Yoder's Country Kitchen in Arthur for the purpose of raising funds towards the costs of having the relief sale in the fund.  The public is encouraged to participate by sponsoring a  table, inviting others, and providing donations for the evening event.  Entertainment is provided each year by different artists and networking begins for the events to follow throughout the year.