Spaghetti dinners to aid combined Greater Buffalo Run Valley church

BELLEFONTE — Four years ago, the Greater Buffalo Run Valley United Methodist Church was created when three churches combined into one. At a time when many small congregations are struggling, the three groups came together in order to survive and grow.

This year, the church is again offering its spaghetti suppers, but at a new location. From 4 to 7 p.m. on the first Friday of each month, beginning Sept. 7, you can enjoy a full meal at the church, which is located at 1667 Buffalo Run Road. Previously, the dinners were held at Filmore United Methodist Church.

Dinners include spaghetti and meatballs, salad, dessert and drinks.

According to Gloria Lohr, who handles public relations for the church, “The congregation includes people from the Filmore UMC, Valley View UMC and the Greater Buffalo Run Valley UMC. Together, the churches agreed to move the parsonage and the food bank to the GBRVUMC.”

More recently, Lohr said, the church was able to raise money to buy a 13-acre plot that lies in the midst of the area of all three original churches. The congregation wants to build a new church, and the support has been overwhelming thus far, with more than $375,000 raised in 10 months.

All donations made during the spaghetti dinners will  support the church’s building fund.