The title of the latest collection of recipes published by First United Methodist Church of Troy was a closely guarded secret.

But the secret is now out and what better title for a “church” cookbook than “Come to the Table.”

Elaine Blair, cookbook steering committee chair, said that the title is has special meaning because “Come to the Table of the Lord” is a favorite communion anthem and is the foundation for the cookbook title.

The cookbook is dedicated to all the saints of First United Methodist Church who have set the table for the generations that have followed, “from the visions of Ann Love, a Southern pioneer woman who recognized the need for a church, to those who built such a beautiful edifice to the Glory of God to those who will leave their footprints in their own personal search and service to the Lord.”

“‘Come to the Table’ is a church wide project,” Blair said. “We had a dedicated, enthusiastic and energetic committee to spearhead the project, Elizabeth Hudson, Sandra Nasca, Cindy Boswell, Ellen Sanders, Judy Creek, Alice Walters, June Boyd, Martha Post and Grady Post.

“Phoebe Porter shared her artistic talent on the cover and Grady and Martha their photography skills and John Harvell provide the history of the church. And, the recipes, all 599, of them are the tried and true recipes from our members and some friends of the church.”

“Good recipes not only enrich the table of any household but they also provide a means through which we can share in Christian hospitality,” said David McVay, pastor First United Methodist Church. “Isn’t it true that genuine community and friendships are often born around the table amidst good conversation and delicious food and that good food has a way of not only nourishing our hunger but our soul as well?”

Church members were invited to submit their favorite scriptures and those were used, along with photographs of the church, on dividers and as fillers.

The recipes are divided much as in any cookbook but also include “This & That” recipes that could have been listed in more than one category or in none.

The recipes include many of the much sought after recipes from some of the best cooks in Troy.

“One recipe that has endured with time is Alice Thornton’s Angel Biscuits,” Blair said. “We couldn’t publish a cookbook without including it. Another is Charlotte Standley’s Grabbies. ‘Come to the Table’ is filled with so many really great recipes that it’s hard to mention a few because there are hundreds – just one short of 600.”

So whether cooks are looking for Doug Newman’s Crab Cakes, John Jinright’s Chicken Tetrazzini or Beth Starling’s Jezebel Sauce, they need to look no further that between the covers of “Come to the Table” and, more than likely, the recipes they want will be there.

The “Come to the Table” cookbooks are $20 each are available at the office of First United Methodist Church of Troy on North Three Notch Street.

Blair said the cookbooks will make treasured gifts for those who enjoy cooking and those who love the Lord.

Proceeds from the sale of “Come to the Table” will support the church ministries.