crock pot chicken and tater tot casserole

The story of Eveyln

Evelyn Ballard was an amazing woman. At 80 years old, she had the goal of having every family in our congregation in Colorado over for Sunday dinner at least once in the space of one year.

Even though we were a small congregation of less than 100 members, that was no small task. Evelyn didn’t just feed us peanut butter and jelly sandwiches either. Her homemade rolls were legendary and her roast beef dinners were . . . what can I say? My mouth still waters at the thought even though it’s been over 25 years since we left Colorado.

Evelyn wasn’t as well acquainted with some families as she was others, but that didn’t stop her. To bridge the comfort gap, she often invited my husband and me and our two small daughters to complete the dinner party. She never minded the noise and confusion of two toddlers.

Evelyn taught me courage in hospitality and to reach beyond what I thought I could do and beyond people who could return the hospitality favor. She often talked of how it would take all of Monday for her to recuperate but she still wanted to do this for her church family. It was what she could do to help our little church grow and flourish.

Another woman with the gift of hospitality

My friend, Karen Ferguson, has the same heart of hospitality as Evelyn. Karen often invites church people over to her home for Sunday dinner. Karen does a fantastic job of planning meals that fit around the church schedule so it doesn’t take too long after the close of Sunday School to have dinner on the table. As a busy ministry family, we’ve been so blessed to be able to sit at her table, not having to worry about fixing dinner. I always feel relaxed and at peace when I’m in her home.

Karen isn’t afraid to try to new recipes on her guests! Here’s her latest Sunday dinner dish which was a huge hit with all of us. It is so easy and tasted just wonderful!