Every Friday night from 10 p.m. - 1 a.m., students can stop by Cross and Resurrection Lutheran Church at 812 Ann St. for free pancakes, waffles, and games.
Originally created as a way to give college students an alternative to getting drunk and partying all night after watching the free Friday movie at EMU, this weekly event always brings in a crowd.
Jonathan Hoover, the organizer of the event and the ministry assistant at Cross and Resurrection Lutheran church, wanted to offer a better, safer, and more productive place to hang out late at night. He acts as “the fun guy,” bringing students in and chatting with them while providing a positive experience in a church many have not had.
“I have so much pancake mix so please come and eat it,” Hoover said.
During the pandemic, there were more restrictions, but as things are now more relaxed on campus, Hoover hopes the numbers will go up again as the event has a special place in his heart.
“I would go consistently every week with my sister. It was because, you know, I was a little high school kid and it was a way to stay out super late, and we would always go hang out, have pancakes, and then we would go wander EMU for a couple more hours after that,“ Hoover said. "I actually have really fond memories of it from back in the day but it was just because, you know, I got to be out significantly later than my parents would ever let me stay out.”
For students looking for volunteer hours, the church offers opportunities for that as well. Anyone interested can email pancakes@crossandres.org.
