St. Paul’s in Monessen Holds Strawberry Festival

Last Updated on Monday, 29 June 2026 20:27

By Jill Runfola

Haley Maatta, on the right, with her husband Alex. Haley is on the church council, and she and Alex were responsible for the strawberry festival.

Georgetta Kearns, of Monessen, and a hairdressing client of Haley’s, enjoys strawberry desserts at the festival.

Pastor Rebecca Dittenhafer enjoys the festival together with her congregation.

Jeff Donnelly, Music Director, keeps busy working in the kitchen at the festival.

Haley Maatta on the right, with her mom Terri Rubosky (at left) here on the left, who attended to help.

Nikki Williams, on council, with her son Asher, 5 years old, playing miniature golf together.

St. Paul’s Luthern Church in Monessen held a Strawberry Festival with delicious treats for the public’s enjoyment on Saturday, June 13, from 12:00 noon – 3:00PM. Attendees had their fill of every kind of strawberry dessert, from strawberry pretzel dip to strawberry shortcake. Also featured at the fun event were a photo booth, games, a good will offering, sandwiches, fellowship and much more!

According to Jeff Donnelly, Music Director at St. Paul’s Church, the church “hope to engage with the community, with people who we’ve met and those we haven’t. The strawberry festival is an event that this church did for many years at the time when strawberries were in season.”

Overseeing the Strawberry Festival at the church were Haley Maatta, on the church council, and her husband Alex. When asked why she took on the responsibility, she joked, “Somebody had to do it,” then said, “I enjoy putting things like this together. I really do.”

Pastor Rebecca Dittenhafer, who has been with St. Paul’s for many years, was at the festival. She says of her 14 years with the church, “God led me through a lot of things to get me here. He was very patient and persistent with me.”

The event was a success. The kitchen was kept busy, and everything ran smoothly. A great time was had by all.

You are welcome to attend church services with the nice people at St. Paul’s Luthern Church. They would be happy to invite you there. Saturday service is held at 4:00PM, and Sunday service is 11:00AM. The church is located at 1317 Grand Blvd., Monessen, Pa.