A Decade in the Spotlight: The Story of Dinner Theater

12/10/2024

This year, the Dinner Theater is celebrating 10 incredible years! When the Dinner Theater initially started, it was simply in hopes of bringing more guests on site during a slower time of year. Looking back now, this quirky and unique event has grown into something meaningful, genuine, and wonderful.

Each year, we try to improve and refine the experience of the Dinner Theater, so that when the time comes, we are ready to welcome you. In just a few short weeks, we go to great lengths to prepare for the Dinner Theater. Preparing for an event this particular comes with new challenges and tasks for our staff and volunteers.

Build a stage in the Dining Hall, but leave room for over 100 guests.
Make over 3,000 meatballs in four different flavors.
Sell tickets online and over the phone simultaneously.
Ask if a volunteer is willing to pretend to be a used car salesman, a radio host, or a detective.
Find a camel costume.
Create a dance with an ice bucket.
Direct a choir through a cantata.
Learn how to serve, spell and pronounce rommegrot, krumkake, and kransekake.

At times, it can feel incredibly absurd, but really, it’s so incredibly worth it.

Isn’t that what the whole Advent season is like? We spend time doing unusual things like bringing trees into our homes and decorating them with lights and ornaments, spending hours intricately decorating cookies that will be devoured, and wrapping boxes in paper only to be opened once again. We light candles on a wreath and sing songs of waiting for four weeks in a row. We try to be our best selves, do it all, and push ourselves to be gracious, generous and kind. At times, this season can be draining, difficult and stressful, but as we prepare for the Son of God’s arrival, it’s incredibly worth it.

And the best part of all: no matter what we accomplish and what we leave unfinished, we’ve earned this incredibly remarkable gift from God. God sent Jesus here to earth for you and for me, just as we are. The Dinner Theater is our time to celebrate this gift with you, as we gather together to share a meal and heartwarming show.

So this year, for the 10th time, we are honored to welcome you to the Dinner Theater, just as you are.

Kirsten Palan
Associate Director of Development

Over the years, the Dinner Theater has raised over $230,000! This year, we have a special opportunity to DOUBLE your donation’s impact, thanks to a matching gift of $5,000 from Nordland Lutheran! Nordland Lutheran is passionate, just like us, about ensuring that young children and adults have the chance to experience God’s love and presence through summer camp, retreat ministry and service learning opportunities. Help us unlock the match by donating here:

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