Presbyterian Soup Luncheon continues decades long tradition

Pastor Nathan Sobers has been leading the congregation of the First Presbyterian Church in Soda Springs for almost three years, and has worked hard to create a loving and welcoming environment for everyone in the community seeking aid, comfort, and fellowship.  This will be his third soup luncheon, and like everyone else involved, he is excited for the day, one of the biggest community events on the church’s calendar.

Unlike Pastor Sobers, Marilyn and Bob Kukachka have been a part of Soda Springs and its historic Presbyterian church for decades.  And yet, just like the leader of their congregation they are also excited about the upcoming day as it draws closer.

Two years ago, the event was held as a drive-though experience.  Like many organizations, the church had to figure out how to accommodate its activities to the then in-place restrictions on gathering as a result of the COVID pandemic.  Last year, things were pretty much back to normal, but some of the uncertainty of the COVID era still lingered.  This year should see a true return to form for an event that has been attended by hundreds over the several decades during which it has been held.

Along with the Harvest Bazaar, which is held the first weekend in November, the Soup Luncheon is the community event most associated with the church.  The Bazaar has a long history dating back to the 1940s, and has been held every year since its founding with the exception of the COVID year.  No one is 100% sure which year was the first for the soup luncheon, but the consensus is that it took place in the early 1990s.

Over the years, the luncheon has been used to raise funds for various projects.  One of the first such projects was the construction of a well in Ghana, which was built to provide water for the home village of one of the congregants at the time.  He explained that girls in his village were not able to attend school, as a trip to refill water supplies for the household consumed an entire school day and water collection was a task reserved for the women of the village.  The church used funds raised from the luncheon and through other donations to dig and install a well system, which vastly improved life in a far away part of a far away country.

Not all years feature as immediate a cause as a life-sustaining well, but members of the church also consider creating an event which brings the whole community together in fellowship an important cause in and of itself.  Marilyn Kukachka expressed her belief that one of the great strengths of the congregation was its warmth and welcoming nature.  She and Pastor Sobers are pleased that the church represents a gathering place for many in the community.  “There aren’t a lot of large areas for groups to gather in town, so it’s important for us to be here,” Kukachka said.

“I’d much rather see this building be used all the time than stay empty other than on Sunday,” Sobers added.  The church works with local organizations to help supply the food pantry, and hosts a number of events throughout the year within their walls.  Still, the soup luncheon is one of the marquee events for the First Presbyterian.

The soups are all made locally, most of them by members of the congregation.  This year’s posted selection of soups includes: Chicken Taco, Ham and Bean, Thai Chicken Curry, Potato Cheese, Beef Cabbage, Chili, Clam Chowder, and the all-time reigning champion, Chicken Noodle.

Guests are encouraged to spend some time eating inside and chatting with friends and neighbors in the gathering space provided by the church.

Coming up later in the spring, the church is looking forward to its Easter services.  A sunrise service will be held at the Reservoir on March 31, which may be a colder Easter than usual given its early spot on the calendar.  The service itself is a wonderful time to witness the beauty of creation and hear the message of the Easter sermon.  The First Presbyterian also hosts a midnight Christmas service that is well-attended by other worshippers in the community.  A morning sermon will be held at 10:30, which is the time services are held every week at the church.  Bible Study is held every Tuesday at 5:30 p.m., and Is also available on Zoom.  Sermons for the church are posted to its Youtube page, which can be found on site by searching for “Soda Springs First Presbyterian.”  

Pastor Sobers would like everyone to know that the First Presbyterian church is a place that is welcoming to all, and he can’t wait to see you!