Sweet strawberries, warm waffles and community service will be on the menu when Ruhl's Church serves up its annual fundraising breakfast.

The church will host its all-you-can-eat breakfast on Saturday, May 2, from 6 to 10 a.m. or until sold out, at 4810 Elizabethtown Road, Manheim.

Along with strawberries and waffles, the menu will also include pancakes, scrambled eggs and eggs to order, breakfast casseroles, bacon, sausages, home-fried potatoes and assorted beverages.

"All food will be prepared and served by the Mission Outreach Team members who will be participating in either of the mission trips happening this summer," explained mission team member Gail Ruhl, who organizes the trips with her husband, Chuck. "Each year we choose a destination that has either been hit with a natural disaster or is in a community where the residents are not financially able to repair or upkeep their homes."

She noted that this year is unique because the mission team is planning two mission trips for the first time.

"For several years now, some members of our core team of volunteers have been requesting a mission trip to Guatemala to help at Kairos House. Our church spent many years serving with this organization in the past, and some of those who served there before were very interested in returning," Gail said. "We knew that a mission trip to another country would not be for everyone, so we thought offering two mission trips would be a good idea. Fortunately, we have help with the planning of both trips."

One mission team will serve the community of Charleston, W.Va., from Sunday to Saturday, June 21 to 27. That team will help with home repairs and improvements for elderly and low-income families. Another mission team will serve with Kairos Ministries in Guatemala City, Guatemala, from Saturday, July 4, to Sunday, July 12.

"This team will be helping to improve the living conditions for the residents of Kairos House, which is a home away from home for families who often travel great distances from small villages to the city for medical treatments for life-threatening illnesses, by repairing and replacing structural issues that will address safety concerns while providing a more comfortable, welcoming appearance to the house," Gail said. "All proceeds from this breakfast will be used to offset the cost of both mission trips, which includes building materials, transportation, meals and lodging."

The Ruhls have been organizing and participating in mission trips for many years.

"The Mission Outreach Team from Ruhl's Church consists of individuals from our church and throughout the community who are of like mind to spread the love of God through service to others," Gail commented. "We have worked together for many years completing various projects for congregation members, as well as people in our community. We have served together locally, nationally and now globally. We are thankful for our church family and community members who are faithful, generous supporters of our Mission Outreach Team. Their continual prayer and financial support is a blessing to us, our community and to all those we serve."

She encourages people to come to the breakfast, noting that many attendees come back year after year for food and friendship.

"Our church strives to provide a relaxing, welcoming atmosphere for folks to fellowship together," she said. "There will also be a chance for attendees to ask about our past or upcoming mission trips or to inquire about joining our mission team in future endeavors. It is also a great opportunity for people to support a worthwhile cause. Not everyone who appreciates the mission work our group does is able to join us in our efforts, but attending and supporting our fundraisers gives people the opportunity to walk alongside us as we serve others."

Tickets or reservations are not required for the breakfast. It is recommended to come early for the breakfast for the best selection of food. There are separate admission prices for adults and for children ages 5 to 12. There is no admission charge for children age 4 and under. Additional donations will also be accepted.

The breakfast will be held in the fellowship hall of Ruhl's Church. The church and parking area are both fully handicapped-accessible.