Lenten Preaching Series and waffle Shop

I’m addicted to tomato aspic, chicken salad, pear with cottage cheese, shrimp mousse, and lots of homemade mayonnaise. That’s a.k.a. the Calvary Episcopal Church Waffle Shop’s “Salad Plate.”

I’m happy to announce that the Waffle Shop, a 93-year-tradition, will return March 3rd and will run through April 8th with its Lenten menu, including the Salad Plate, the delicious “Boston Cream Pie,” and “Fish Pudding,” which is actually tasty and isn’t anything like the name implies.

Connie Marshall, of the Waffle Shop, says there have been some adjustments this year. “We have cut back on a few things,” she says. But the aforementioned items, as well as corned beef and cabbage, turnip greens, and other favorites will still be available. “With a few exceptions, it’s pretty much everything.”

And the Waffle Shop will basically go back to the way it was operated before the pandemic, Marshall says. Instead of strictly take-out meals, which Waffle Shop offered in 2021, people will once again be able to eat in the Mural Room at the church at 102 North Second Street. “You go to the table, fill out your paper menu, and pay on your way out,” says Marshall.

You can still order to-go food, but all the advance to-go ordering over the phone has been done away with, Marshall says. “It’s, basically, back to the old way.”

Lunch will be served between 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays, as well as an evening meal from 5:15 to 6:15 p.m. on Wednesdays. The Waffle Shop’s tenure coincides with the Lenten Preaching Series, which is held at the church between 12:05 to 12:40 p.m. on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays, and from 6:15 to 7:15 p.m. on Wednesdays. Sixteen speakers will be featured.

COVID protocols will be announced closer to Waffle Shop’s starting date, Marshall says.

Michael Donahue

Calvary Episcopal Church’s annual Lenten Preaching Series and Waffle Shop returns with some changes due to the pandemic. That means the delectable salad plate will be available for takeout.

Well, happy day. I’m going to get my favorite tomato aspic after all. And we’ll all get to hear some noted speakers because Calvary Episcopal Church will launch its 98th annual Lenten Preaching Series and Waffle Shop February 19th.

There will be a few differences this year because of COVID 19. Some speakers will participate by recorded messages and others will speak at the church. Those who attend the in-person services will sign up in advance, wear masks, and sit spaced apart from others. Also, local musicians will perform before the speakers begin.

The preaching series, which will be live-streamed at 12:05 p.m. Wednesdays and Fridays, will include national and local spiritual leaders.

Among the speakers will be Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s friend Rev. James Lawson, poet and host of the Poetry Unbound podcast; poet and theologian Pádraig Ó Tuama; and award-winning author of books on religion, spirituality, and recovery, Rabbi Rami Shapiro. The series will be live-streamed on Calvary’s Facebook page, YouTube channel, and website.

In addition to the noontime experience, Calvary offers Lent After Dark live podcast recordings with guest speakers from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 pm. each Wednesday. The podcasts will be live-streamed.

And my aspic will be available for takeout only at Calvary’s Famous Waffle Shop. It will serve homemade waffles, Calvary Salad Plate, fish pudding, and more between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Wednesdays and Fridays, and from 5:15 p.m. to 6:15 p.m. on Wednesdays. Orders must be placed 24 hours in advance on Calvary’s website. All proceeds from the Waffle Shop support outreach ministries in Memphis.

For a complete listing of the Preaching Series schedule, visit calvarymemphis.org/lps. For more information about the Lenten Preaching Series or the Waffle Shop, call 901 525-6602.