By Kevin Williams
We have a lot of Amish in the News to get to today, so let's get right to it.
FROM BUGGY TO MEGACHURCH: Read a well-written article about Sam Smucker who has gone from Amish to the founder and pastor of a sprawling megachurch in Lancaster County. Interesting to note that he was one of 14 siblings and all eventually left the Amish but one. That's actually fairly "typical" in that when an Amish person leaves the church, they often (certainly not always) do so as a group, in this way it lessens the impact of leaving. Click here to read a super article about Sam Smucker's journey.
Amish sugar cream pie
Scene from "Half-Stitched", the musical
AMISH-THEMED PLAYS AND MUSICALS: I don't about all this....if I am going to visit Amish country, I want to actually go explore the countryside, buy some fresh eggs, watch colorful laundry on the lines, visit bulk food stores...go see a play? I don't know....I guess I'd probably enjoy it and I'm guessing, though, that I am not their target demographic, so maybe the plays aren't written for middle-aged males like me. But one woman has sort of turned writing Amish-themed musicals and plays into a career. The newest stage production is called The Home Game playing at the Ohio Star Theater in Sugarcreek, Ohio. Click here to read more.
MARY'S DONUTS: Man, I've lived in Ohio most of my life and I've never heard of the village of Rogers. It's in Columbiana County, which is a far, far away part of the state from me, so that's probably why I've not heard of it. Anyway, if you are anywhere near there, you have a real treasure in your midst: On Fridays Amish woman Mary Byler sells homemade, hand-made doughnuts. The most popular flavor: vanilla glaze. Man, that is enough to make me want to drive the 3 hours it would take to get there. Wow, oh, wow. Feast your eyes on this story. Interesting, because the Amish woman who makes the doughnuts is from nearby New Wilmington, PA and I've always known that group to be pretty conservative, so this woman is kind of breaking the mold a bit.
Related articles:
Next page, sugar cream pies, the Amish page, and two Amish teenagers happen upon a tragic buggy accident!
pamela Lakits
Kevin I got a big smile on my face when you mentioned the donut lady at Rogers!! Leaving in the suburbs of Pittsburgh Rogers
is a place we visit a couple times a year since only about an hour and a half away. The flea market is a lot of fun, but the first place we go is to the donut lady. Believe me they are amazing!!!! there is always a long line but worth the wait. There are a good deal of Amish and Mennonite there looking for some bargains, as are we all. You get a chance its worth a visit!!!! Great food to choose from, farmers market and the girls would love all the baby animals for sale. some times they even have pony rides. I'm actually hoping to go there next month. May not want to go on a extremely hot day cause there isn't a lot of shade except in the few buildings (flea market is outside). We go early morning, gets pretty crowded by noon. Big place so lots of walking!! Hope you get a chance to visit!!
Pam Lakits
Kevin
Pam, you are a lucky lady to be so close to there, I am going to have to make a point to stop sometime! Thanks for all your support and encouragement! - Kevin
Kevin
Marie, safe travels, let me know how you like Holmes! - Kevin