Food, friends and the fun of learning highlighted a five-week evening series at the Loma Linda University church known as “Winter Wednesdays.” For seven years, the series has been a favorite, according to Randy Roberts, senior pastor. This year, more than 400 participated — a multi-generational group including teenage volunteers and long-time church members.

“The vision for Winter Wednesdays is to provide a place to develop friendships, as well as to learn new things about God, life, and the world in which we live,” said Roberts.

A variety of topics are offered, explained Bernard Taylor, LLUC associate pastor and coordinator of the series. He added with a smile, “Our goal is to make it as difficult as possible to decide [which class to take]!”

“I’ve never seen a place that does this. All these brains in one place,” commented Kathyrn Knecht, attending with her husband and children. “It’s so hard to choose!”

Before class, participants enjoy a meal of soup, bread, salad and dessert. It is “nice to come to a place where you don’t have to worry about the food,” said Louis Kelly. Registration fees for the five weeks ($15 per individual, $25 per family) help pay for meals.

Winter Wednesdays is also a “beautiful bouquet of intergenerational service opportunities,” said Doug Mace, pastor of the LLUC teen Sabbath school, Youth 202, and teen-volunteer organizer. “Older couples say it is so enriching to the church to see youth serving.”

Overseeing menus, food purchase and preparation are Bert Connell, chair of the LLU nutrition and dietetics department, and his wife, Evelyn. “It makes a difference to the church, so we are involved,” he said.

Bill Wallstrom, University church member for more than 60 years, likes “getting to know other people, good food and interesting things to learn.”

“Next year we are going to invite our family,” said Kadette Kelly.

Sample Seminar Topics

Wanted, Dead and Alive — A study of Romans 6-8.

Ethics at Life’s Edges — Biomedical issues.

Five Literary Favorites — Literature that touches the heart.

Parenting and Temperament Style — Rearing a responsible child.

Thinking the Unthinkable — Estate and financial planning.