A little more than a year ago, men from Church of the Incarnation and St. Paul’s Church in Bergen, neighboring Jersey City congregations located just a few blocks apart, formed a monthly Men’s Group. Getting to know one another as they prayed and socialized together, they began to take stock of the gifts they possess that they might share with others.
Early on, they realized that there are several outstanding chefs in the group, including St. Paul’s member (and head verger) Eric Petersen, a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America who has worked in professional kitchens for many years, and Conroy Edwards, a professional chef from Incarnation. Recognizing these talents, after much discussion the men formed a plan: to teach a basic kitchen skills class for boys.
“The Men’s Group felt there were lots of opportunities in church for girls, and less so for boys,” said the Rev. Thomas Murphy, Rector of St. Paul’s. “They also recognized that lots of inner-city boys lack male role models, and they felt this was a way they could make a difference.”
Petersen, Edwards and other men from both congregations developed a class that teaches boys age 10 to 17 basic kitchen skills with a special focus on safety. Thanks to a generous grant from the Gertrude Butts Scholarship Fund, the men were able to purchase kitchen equipment, food, and other supplies needed for the class. As a final touch, St. Paul’s member Virella Clark sewed chef’s hats for the boys. Properly equipped and attired, the boys were now ready to start learning and cooking.
The class met every other Sunday for eight sessions in St. Paul’s kitchen and parish hall. The boys learned about sanitation and food storage, baking, sautéing, planning a menu, setting the table, and more. There was even one session devoted entirely to the versatile egg.
“Not only are the boys learning invaluable skills that will serve them well for the rest of their lives,” said Murphy, “at least as important is the fact that they are learning from outstanding male role models.”
At the end of the eight sessions, the boys “graduated” by preparing an elaborate Valentine’s Day lunch served at St. Paul’s coffee hour on Sunday, February 14. The menu included grilled curry chicken, vegetable lasagna, shrimp fried rice, yellow rice, baked macaroni and cheese, tossed green salad with raspberry vinaigrette, and dessert.
“The meal was truly impressive and delicious and enjoyed by everyone,” said Murphy.
The first class, which was drawn mostly from within the two congregations, has now advanced to the study of more sophisticated topics, beginning with the fine art of baking. Meanwhile a second group of boys – drawn from the wider community as well as the congregations – started the introductory course on February 28.
Noting that men are often absent from church, Murphy said, “This class has given a group of men a real sense of purpose and satisfaction in their church, and has given the boys a powerful and memorable sign that they are valued and loved by their church.”
