As part of our 2026 Synod Assembly under the theme “Rooted in God’s Story,” we are creating a community recipe book — Rooted at the Table.

Each assembly participant will receive a printed copy featuring recipes and stories from across our synod.

But this is more than a cookbook.

It is a collection of memory.

Of culture.

Of faith passed around tables.

Food carries history. It carries grief and joy. It shows up at confirmation celebrations, funeral luncheons, youth retreats, and church potlucks. Around tables, we have told stories, prayed, argued, laughed, and encountered Christ.

We invite you to share a recipe that carries a story in your life or congregation.

What to Submit

Submit your recipe here

It may help to write out your recipe by hand or in a document before submission. Please include:

Recipe Name
Your Name
Congregation & City
Ingredients (one ingredient per line)
Instructions (clear and simple)
A short story about the recipe

Your story might reflect on:

Who taught you this recipe
When it is served
What memory or faith moment it carries
Why it matters in your life or congregation

Submit your recipe here.

Important Guidelines

To help us publish efficiently and accurately:

Submissions must be final and ready to print (minimal editing will be done).
Use plain text only (no bold, italics, bullet formatting, or special layout).
Keep instructions concise and easy to follow.
Stories must be 500–600 words or fewer.
Space is limited. Submissions will be curated based on space and clarity.
Please limit submissions to one recipe per person.

Submission Deadline

All recipes must be submitted by: Friday, May 1, 2026

Late submissions cannot be guaranteed inclusion.

Why Participate?

This book will represent the breadth of our synod — our cultures, our histories, our congregational traditions, and the many ways God has nourished us through shared meals.

Help us create something rooted — and shared. Share your recipe today!

Recipes

Featured

Deviled Eggs That Carried a Family Through Joy and Grief

Beth Blankenship shares her grandmother’s deviled eggs—a dish present at every gathering, from celebrations to funerals. A powerful reminder that food is one way faith communities show up for one another.

Ginny Juice: A Family Favorite That Elevates Everything

Brian Flatgard shares “Ginny Juice,” a bold and versatile dressing created by his Aunt Virginia. A beloved family recipe that continues to be shared, gifted, and enjoyed in countless ways.

Bread Pudding and a Legacy of Generosity

This bread pudding recipe honors a ministry of generosity at New Journey Lutheran Church. Using leftover bread to nourish community, it reflects faithful stewardship and care for neighbors.

Oatmeal Cookes: A Plate Returned Empty

Julie Yates shares her Aunt Ginny’s oatmeal cookies—a simple recipe that continues a tradition of hospitality and generosity. A reminder that even small offerings can create meaningful connection.

Chicken Pot Pie: From Budget Cooking to Youth Fundraiser Favorite

Pr. Jacqui Pagel shares a chicken pot pie recipe that grew from a simple family meal into a ministry tool—feeding neighbors and supporting youth fundraising. A reminder that service often begins in the kitchen.

Oh Boy Waffles: A No-Fail Favorite

Bishop Deborah Hutterer shares her go-to waffle recipe—simple, reliable, and widely shared. A reminder that even everyday meals can become moments of connection and joy.

Cottage Cheese Jello: A Potluck Classic with Deep Roots

Ruth Senkbeil’s cottage cheese jello recipe is a multigenerational potluck favorite. Known as “green jello salad,” it carries memories of family, church, and belonging.

From South Dakota to Lebanon: A Story Told Through Tabbouli

Theresa Thornburgh shares her mother’s tabbouli recipe—a dish rooted in love, cultural connection, and family memory. Passed down from a South Dakota Lutheran woman who learned Lebanese cooking, it remains a powerful reminder that the table is where stories and traditions live on.