24th annual Soup, Soup and More community dinner

In the midst of a busy life, it's tempting to overlook the need for good conversation and a home-cooked meal. We spend time speeding through the work and school week just to make it to the weekend. We savor quick moments shared with family and friends, but downtime never really lasts long before the next errand, chore, or to-do list item calls our names. In this modern society, we grow isolated in our comforts, choosing to pass time connecting through screens instead of face to face. We forget that true connection is found in unplugging and powering down, in looking up instead of looking through, in sharing laughter and love and a good bowl of soup.

This weekend, Niwot and Gunbarrel residents have the chance to reconnect once again with our vibrant, diverse community. For the past 23 years, the Niwot United Methodist Church has opened its doors to area residents for an evening of delicious food and great conversation by hosting its Soup, Soup and More community dinner.

Saturday, March 7 from 4 - 7 p.m., the highly-anticipated dinner will once again draw a crowd. One of the dinner's organizers, Janet Gates, said, "Part of the fun is that you have all different soups to choose from. Even if you've been in years past, there's something new in addition to the classic recipes."

The Soup, Soup and More community dinner will provide approximately 20 tasty, warm soups, prepared by church members. Guests are invited to attend the free event and sample as many soups as they'd like, or take a few bowls of their favorite recipes home. In addition to hearty bowls of broth, salad, dessert, and drinks will also be served. For those looking to recreate some of their favorite recipes, purchase the Soup, Soup and More cookbook, created by the NUMC Women's Group.

Last year's Soup, Soup, and More was held in the midst of a snow storm and attendees still braved the weather to partake in this lively, welcoming event. Donations are welcome and all proceeds from the event will benefit Boulder Attention Homes. Last year, donations from the Soup, Soup, and More dinner helped the nonprofit organization complete a 40-unit apartment building for home insecure youth. Boulder Attention Homes continues to assist the county's homeless youth through its many programs.

While the event is soup-centric, it's about so much more than a warm bowl of Carrot Ginger. It's about connecting with community members, and swapping stories and laughter, over a savory bowl of home-made soup.