From Myra to Wauwatosa
St. Nicholas Brings Joy and History to Trinity Wauwatosa’s First Friday Dinner
Trinity Wauwatosa welcomed a very special guest during its December First Friday dinner—none other than St. Nicholas himself! Played by Rev. Gary Manning, St. Nick’s visit coincided with his feast day on December 6, delighting parishioners young and old.
The evening began with a short after-dinner slide program exploring the history and legacy of St. Nicholas. Parishioners learned about the saint’s origins in Myra, a city in modern-day Turkey, and how his generosity is celebrated around the world in places like Italy, Germany, the Netherlands, England, and the United States.
Following the program, St. Nicholas made his entrance, captivating the 30 attendees with stories and a gift bag for each child. The children, brimming with excitement, posed for a group photo with St. Nick—recreating a similar photo taken six years ago, when many of today’s high school students were still in elementary school.
The dinner’s theme for the evening was "Turkish or Middle Eastern" cuisine, honoring the saint’s Turkish roots. But, as is tradition, the potluck featured a little of everything, from salads to desserts. What started two years ago as a low-cost, family-friendly outing has grown into a cherished multi-generational gathering. Each First Friday dinner showcases a unique theme, bringing parishioners together to explore new flavors and celebrate community.
This year, preschoolers Auggie Dorn and Winnie Waites added a delightful touch of whimsy, helping St. Nick with his crozier and proudly trying on his mitre. Elsa Eisenmann, now in middle school, joined in, adding a sense of continuity and joy to the tradition.
Events like this exemplify what makes Trinity Wauwatosa a welcoming and vibrant community. The First Friday dinners—an organic program initiated by a few families—have grown into a cornerstone of the parish’s fellowship and outreach, proving that church is about more than just a building; it’s about the people who gather to share life, faith, and laughter.
As for plans for next December’s First Friday? While no decisions have been made yet, one thing is certain: the warmth, creativity, and camaraderie that make these dinners so special will undoubtedly continue.
