Join Pastor Jim Pike and friends at Grace Lutheran Church in Upland, 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Friday, June 2 for “ Sarah Keeney’s Soups On.”

This annual gathering, created six years ago by Sarah Keeney, brings together chefs and community supporters to present their favorite soups for guests to taste outdoors on the church grounds. The best will be awarded the celebrated Golden Ladle.

The evening includes soup dinner, crispy crackers, gourmet cookies, Bert & Rocky’s Ice Cream, as well as Starbucks coffee and iced tea, and lemonade. Entertainment will be by “Mixed Goods,” with funds raised to support the community work of Grace Lutheran Church.

“I love how this event brings people together,” Pastor Pike said. “In some parts of the country Lutherans are known for JELL-O. In Upland, we’re known for soup! This is also a great time for us to remember our friend Sarah every year. Not only her but the spirit of community service she lived by.”

“This is the sixth time we’ve had this event,” Soups On Chairperson Judy Ipson said. “And it should be our best one yet. We have thirty different soup makers coming - our biggest number ever. We want everyone in Upland to know they’re welcome to join us.”

With visions of winning the coveted “Golden Ladle,” I have teamed with Maria Rogers, of Padua Pasta Makers & Italian Deli of Upland, to serve Tuscan Sausage Soup.

Tax deductible admission tickets are $25 per person, $50 for a family or three adults. Grace Lutheran Church is located at 2108 North Euclid Ave. in Upland. Call (909) 982-2954 or visit www.graceupland.org.

Gino L. Filippi is Foothills Reader wine writer.

Gino can be reached at ginoffvine@aol.com.