Parish, school and AMS celebrate 27-year-old tradition with annual Lenten soup night
Local
“A 27-year-old soup night tradition was celebrated by the Anglican Men’s Society, The Parish of Bundaberg and St Luke’s Anglican School recently,” says Jo Leveritt
A 27-year-old soup night tradition was celebrated by the Anglican Men’s Society, The Parish of Bundaberg and St Luke’s Anglican School recently during Lent.
Lent is a time when Christians observe a 40-day period of fasting leading up to Easter, which is a celebration of the resurrection of Jesus.
The Lenten period also includes Good Friday, which commemorates the day of Jesus’ crucifixion.
To observe this period of abstinence and fasting, members of the Anglican Men’s Society (AMS) prepare a simple meal, consisting of various soups, which are served to guests.
AMS Bundaberg Chair Howard Kingston said that the soups are largely made by AMS members.
“It is a spartan meal in the spirit of Lent, which is a season of fasting for Christians, and as such, we only serve soups, mostly made by members of the society, together with bread rolls,” Mr Kingston said.
Several St Luke’s Anglican School students assisted with serving the soup on the night to guests, including local rough sleepers, parishioners, St Luke’s staff and members of the wider community.
After the meal, National AMS Chair Bishop Jeremy Greaves gave a key note address on the future of the church, which was followed by a Compline service led by locum rector Mother Kate Ross.
It was 27 years ago when parishioner Tony Osbourn came up with the idea of the annual soup evening.
Mr Osbourn, who will turn 100 in September, has shared his famous Mulligatawny soup every year, and is the inspiration behind the event’s success.
Unfortunately this year Mr Osbourn was not well enough to attend the event; however, he still faithfully made soup and received applause from attendees in recognition of his legacy.
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