Newark church to host drive-thru ham and kumla dinner in January

Helmar Lutheran Church in Newark will host its 13th annual Kumla Dinner from 3 to 6 p.m. Jan. 16. Kumla are potato dumplings of Norwegian and Swedish origin. All proceeds from the event go toward the HLC Food Pantry, which has grown from serving 10 families to 120 families twice a month.

As a COVID-19 safety precaution, the dinner will be drive-thru carryout only.

The basic dinner includes ham, kumla, apple sauce and dessert. Diners can choose to substitute kumla with a baked potato. Extra carryouts of kumla can be ordered.

The event is a free-will donation dinner. The church will accept cash or checks.

The church is located at 11935 Lisbon Road in rural Newark. For information, call 815-695-5489 or visit helmarlutheranchurch.com.