NILES — Volunteers who manage The Old Rugged Cross Memorial Garden in Pokagon Township will sponsor a stomach-warming Chili and Soup Supper on Saturday, Nov. 11, at the Pokagon United Methodist Church.

The public is invited to the meal, which will be from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. in the church basement.

The menu will include traditional red chili with beef, white chili with chicken and several types of soup. Crackers, garlic toast, punch, coffee and dessert will round out the choices.

A donation of $7 per adult and $3 for each child 8 years old and younger is suggested.

Tickets are available in advance from Old Rugged Cross Association volunteers, and at the door. Please call (269) 684-8121 or (574) 993-2044 for ticket information.

Note cards with the purchaser’s choice of two Old Rugged Cross Memorial Garden photos will be available at the supper. They are blank inside, perfect for a “thank-you” or “thinking of you” message, organizers said.

The cards are 4.25 inches by 5.5 inches. Each comes with an envelope.

The supper will support operations and maintenance of the garden, including replacing plants that have aged and are past their prime.

The Garden, along with the Original Old Rugged Cross Church, make up The Old Rugged Cross Historic Site. The ORC Church is where the hymn, “The Old Rugged Cross,” was sung publicly in its entirety for the first time in 1913.

The garden is a half-acre non-denominational “church without walls.” It can be rented for weddings, picnics and other Christian events.

The PUMC is at 31393 Kansas St., one block south of Pokagon Highway, just east of Highway M-51, halfway between Niles and Dowagiac.

For additional information, contact Bev at (269) 684-8121 or Nanette at (574) 993-2044.