Deb Glennen invites everyone to have a waffle each Wednesday. Photo courtesy of Deb Glennen.

Each Wednesday morning at 8:30 a.m., a group from Zion United Methodist Church in Grand Forks, North Dakota, hosts a welcoming waffle fellowship.  

"This gathering provides an opportunity for parents and little ones to enjoy breakfast together before the children head to the daycare downstairs," said Rev. Chang Yi, Zion UMC.

Sunflake Preschool and Day Care has provided care for young children throughout the greater Grand Forks area since 1976. The program operates independently and rents space from Zion UMC. 

Pastor Chang explains what happens. "During Waffle Wednesday, we serve delicious food, share warm smiles, offer a thoughtful meditation for the day, and provide updates about Zion and ways families can get involved in our ministries," he said.   

Getting people who don't attend Zion UMC to come into the church for a waffle takes effort. People are greeted outside by a waving, smiling waffle lady, Deb Glennen. 

"Every Wednesday morning, I put on a waffle costume. I stand outside the daycare entrance and invite the kids, their parents, and many grandparents to have a waffle before they start their day," said Glennen, a member of Zion UMC. "The waffle costume completely breaks down many barriers and awkwardness."

Glennen explains that it is all about building relationships. Not everyone stops in for a waffle, and sometimes, it takes a while for people to feel comfortable.

"A lot of times, families are too busy. It might take months to try it. Those that do come tell others," " said Deb. "Even if they don't come, they associate the church with something that is fun, fun, fun!"

In retirement, Deb and her husband, Don Miller, started a waffle mix business. The idea is to give the money away to places that could use a boost. Zion UMC began a waffle breakfast on Wednesdays, using Dakota Don's Mix, for retired people a few years ago. 

Don Miller, center, and team make waffles. Photo by Rev. Chang Yi.

"It is a famous recipe, with a lot of responses from people. Some folks asked him to open a restaurant. He decided to put it into a mix," shares Deb. "The bottom line is the waffles are really good! People who come to Waffle Wednesday find it wonderful. We don't push church; we get to know the people who come. They are totally charmed by the waffles."

It is not just the waffles that tantalize the appetite but an entire waffle bar, including strawberries, whipped cream, and chocolate. 

Waffle Wednesdays has been in the works for the past three years. This past year, the focus on interaction and building relationships has become more intentional. 

"We try to have the retired people and others from the congregation intermingle at the tables," said Don. "We typically have eight families and the retirees."

Pastor Chang is present every Wednesday. He greets people as they come inside.

"Attendance varies depending on the weather or special activities happening at daycare," he said. "We are blessed to see a mix of familiar faces and new families every week. This event has become a meaningful bridge between the church and our neighborhood."

The connection between the daycare families and the congregation is significant. "We had zero connection with the daycare before this," said Deb. 

To add to the atmosphere, one of the members of the congregation shares some magic tricks and juggling. 

"As luck or fate would have it, one of the older members of our congregation does some juggling and magic tricks. That goes over big with the kids," said Don.

Fresh Expressions have fueled Waffle Wednesdays. The Fresh Expression movement in the Dakotas inspired Zion UMC to consider how it can establish meaningful relationships with families involved in the daycare and the neighborhood.  Learn more about Fresh Expressions. 

Families and members of Zion UMC enjoy waffles on a Wednesday. Photo by Rev. Chang Yi.

"It is an opportunity to build relationships on a non-threatening basis and get them connected to the church," said Deb. "Every one of the kids is excited to see the waffle lady. The parents are stressed and rushed. It all takes time. I know how I responded to church when I was busy and stressed with kids." 

Don and Deb see waffles as a ministry to share their spiritual gifts. Waffle Wednesday is one of the outlets. The waffle mix business is shared with God's mission field. The couple has distributed funds to support autism because their adult daughter is autistic. They have held fundraisers and seek to extend the ministry in ways they have not yet imagined.

Since 2022, Zion UMC has been serving a meal for its community—they call it Love Feast. Love feasts, or "agape meals," are simple communal meals that promote fellowship and Christian love among participants. Waffle Wednesday is designed to expand the congregation's ministry.

"In addition to our monthly Love Feast community feeding ministry, Waffle Wednesday is a weekly outreach initiative designed to connect with young families and children in our community," said Pastor Chang.