Despite gloomy, chilly weather, diners have been coming out on Friday evenings to enjoy a great meal and support a cause.  Guests have come from as far as Marietta and Waleska to St. Clement’s Episcopal Church on Ridge Road in Canton to enjoy a plate of fried fish, baked beans, coleslaw, hushpuppies and dessert.  A macaroni and cheese plate is available for those who prefer a vegetarian option. Week after week, the numbers keep growing.  So far the Fish Fry Team at St. Clement’s has served over 650 meals in the first four Friday’s of Lent. 

Since the parishioners donate all of the food and supplies, 100% of the proceeds go to the St. Clement’s Outreach Ministry budget.  “When we decided to start having these fish fries four years ago, I never imagined it would turn into this”, said Emily Mikkelsen, chairman of the Fish Fry Committee.  “We are on track to make over $4500 this year, an 18% increase over last year.”

The largest of the St. Clement’s Outreach Ministry’s efforts is a phone ministry to serve local persons in need.  Last year the volunteers on the phone line fielded approximately 1800 calls for assistance.  In addition to locating donations of items like cribs and beds, or an overnight place to stay, the phone ministry disbursed $13,060.91 last year to assist callers with immediate financial needs.  Other recipients of funds from the Ministry include local organizations such as the Bethesda Medical Clinic, Habitat for Humanity and the Cherokee Family Violence Center.

The Fish Fries will continue Friday nights from 5:00 to 7:00pm through March 22.  Adult plates are $6, Veggie plates $5 and children 10 and under $3.