By Kevin Williams
We have an interesting slate of stories in this week's Amish in the News, so let's get right in and explore!
Actress Katey Sagal: Amish roots?
KATEY SAGAL: Did any of our Amish365 readers happen to catch TLC's "Who Do you Think You Are?" episode. Actress Katey Sagal learns that she has Amish roots. You can read more here, although the article is sparse on details. What I am most curious about is what surname connects here to the Amish. Only a handful, like Yoder, Bontrager, Stutzman, etc would tie her to the Amish. So I'm just curious. I do enjoy these "roots" series, but sometimes there seems to be a little drama added, but, anyway, click here to read more.
A MODERN AMISH WEDDING: I am really glad that the Lancaster paper decided to do a story about this topic. Because Amish weddings have evolved and changed over the years. In my experience, one of the biggest changes in Amish weddings recently, has been the arrival of the "wedding wagon", basically rentalable kitchens on wheels that contain all the utensils and ovens you need to feed a crowd. These handy kitchens allow for a lot of work to be done without turning someone's own kitchen into a circus. Click here to read this interesting article.
AMISH UNCLE STEVE: This is just a fun piece written by a man who's father left the Amish at age 14, but many of his family are still in the faith. Click here to read.
HUTTERITE PHOTOS: These are some really beautiful, riveting photos of life on a Hutterite colony. For newbies, Anabaptism is generally recognized as three faiths: the Amish, Mennonites, and Hutterities. The Hutterites are the smallest of the branches and thus don't get written about as much. The German Baptists come from a bit of a different theological background but share many similarities with Anabaptists. Anyway, click here for these photos.
MENNONITE SALE: 2000 people throng a Mennonite consignment sale in Pennsylvania. I'd love to attend this one someday, any of our site visitors among the 2000 attendees? Click here to read more
MILLIE OTTO'S CINNAMON PUDDING: For newbies, Millie is not affiliated with this website, but she is an Amish woman in Illinois who writes a weekly column. Even though the Arthur settlement is fairly conservative, Millie herself seems to really put herself out there. Click here for her column and to get her recipe for homemade cinnamon pudding.
Christine McDermott
From what I got from the interview with Katey Sagal she is Amish by way of the Hochstetler family. The one person she talked to was Ervin Stutzman. I have read 2 of his books "Jacob's Choice" and Joseph's Dilemma." The facts he was telling her are also in his books. The third book " Christians Hope" is due out in Sept. I recommend these books. They are set in the French and Indian war starting in Berks County, Pa ( Reading area of the state). There is also book titled Northkill (Northkill Amish) Bob Hostetler and J. M. Hochstetler that has to do with samething.
I had a hard time putting the books down. It was because when Jacob and his sons were captured they were brought through my area to get to the Indian territory near Erie. They are just good reads.