Amish in the News: Amish in South America?, Burglaries, Jeremiah Raber Goes Hollywood, Sugar Cream Pie and More!

By Kevin Williams

Lots of Amish and Mennonite stuff in the news this past week, so let's get right into it!

SOUTH AMERICAN AMISH:  Other than an attempt at establishing a community in Honduras in the 1960s the Amish have stayed north of the border. Until now. In a fascinating bit of cross-church cooperation, some South American Mennonites have invited some New Order Amish families in help establish a community.  I'll have to ask Gloria about this since she is New Order.  The New Order are definitely more active in mission-type work.  Click here to read more.

MENNONITE CHURCH USA UNRAVELING?  The issue of gay marriage and participation in the church has only intensified over the past year.  The issue has become so divisive that conferences are pulling out of the church and the entire institutional structure of the church is in danger of unraveling.  Click here to read more.

DELAWARE BURGLARIES:  When a bunch of Amish residences and outbuildings experienced a rash of burglaries recently, police didn't have to look far. An ex-member of the community and his girlfriend were both charged. Click here to read more.

CONSERVATION AND THE AMISH: I thought this article might be kind of dry at first, but it's actually an insightful, enjoyable read about how to steer Amish farmers towards more sustainable practices. Not surprised to read that the Amish of Berne, Indiana have been tough to reach.  In my experience there, most Amish farmers have never met a chemical or pesticide they didn't like. Click here to read.

Sugar cream pie, many believe, has its roots in the Amish community

OLD-FASHIONED SUGAR CREAM PIE RECIPE: Sugar cream pie is an Indiana specialty that many believe has its roots in the Amish community.  Read about a sugar cream pie bake-off, learn the Amish connection and get a great-sounding recipe here!

PENNSYLVANIA DUTCH FUNNEL CAKE: As we move into summer and fall, festivals are starting to make their appearance on the calendar.  One such festival staple: funnel cakes.  The Los Angeles Times ran a piece this past week about making your own homemade ones at home along with a recipe.  Hmmmm, that's one recipe that I think wouldn't be as fun at home. Too much work and no fun festival surrounding you. But to each their own. Click here for the recipe.

Jeremiah Raber from the TLC network

THE PLAIN PEOPLE MOVIE:  This story from Starcasm details the involvement of TLC star Jeremiah Raber in a new horror flick called The Plain People.  The whole premise of the movie sounds dumb and I just have no interest in any of it.  But those who do can click and read about it here.