Hungry on Thursday? It’s summer

It must be summer, kids are out of school, Blue Hole and Jacob’s Well are packed and the temperatures, well it is summer in Texas. A big tradition in town means that good food is just a short trip away, either to go or to eat at the Wimberley UMC.

In other words, in June Café Susanna is open on Thursdays.

So what is Café Susanna all about? It’s named after Methodist founder John Wesley’s mother, who was noted for her hospitality for anyone that would visit her son. Why not just carry that hospitality over to the 21st century? That was the thought of Wimberley UMC members Suzy Cannon and Jan Harrison back in 2004. They got the idea to sell and serve lunches. Not sure of their success yet, the group decided to try out the concept first. Their first trial run was held at the historic Winters-Wimberley House and was a huge success. Café Susanna was born.

So fifteen years later, there are many in town that look forward to summer and to the tasty, warm meals provided by Café Susanna.

The original purpose was to pay for the church’s new sanctuary, which was accomplished, but now it helps the church and its budget and is completely self sufficient.

Although it runs seamlessly, lots of effort and volunteer work goes into the lunches. Over 25 volunteers are on hand for each meal. This includes those in charge of desserts, servers, waiters, cooks, and those in charge of drinks.

Ann Payton is in charge of the operation and has been the past couple of years. It all starts on Wednesday, with salads made in preparation and other things that can be started early in order to fulfill all the orders on Thursday.

“I’m here at 7 a.m. on Thursday. The ovens are warmed up, and the tables had to be set up and prepared at 9:30,” Anna Payton said. Every Thursday starting on June 6, and through July and August, 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. they are ready to fulfill your orders at the church’s kitchen.

Entrée, two sides. Ice tea, bread, and a great dessert all for only $9.00. Takeouts available.

To see a weekly menu or for more information see the UMC’s website at: wimberleyumc.org .