From Guam Gatherings to Today

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. Submit your recipe by Friday, May 1, 2026, and learn more here.

Submitted by Lisa Bartlemay (Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, Mesa)

This recipe was first shared among neighbors in Guam—bringing people together far from home.

It has since become a favorite, passed along and shared widely.

Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Bars

Ingredients

  • 2 Reg. size ready made chocolate chip cookie dough rolls

  • 1/2 Cup sugar

  • 2 Eggs

  • 1/2 tsp. Vanilla

  • 2 - 8oz. Cream Cheese

Instructions

  • Take 1 roll of cookie dough and press into the bottom of a 9x13 pan.

  • In mixer blend sugar, eggs, vanilla & cream cheese until creamy.

  • Pour mixture over cookie dough.

  • Slice the other roll of cookie dough into ¼-inch slices and place on top of cream cheese mixture.

  • Bake at 350° for 35 minutes.

  • Place in refrigerator, cut when cold. Best served when cold.

  • I like them best when placed in freezer about 1 hour before serving.

Story

As an Air Force family living away from home in Guam, we gathered with neighbors for a monthly cookout. A neighbor shared this recipe with the group. It has become a favorite, and the recipe has been shared often with friends.

Brian FlatgardRooted at the Table, Recipes, 2026 RecipesComment