A murder in a church? And the congregation laughed as they learned the details over their evening meal? Oh, wait, it's just murder-mystery dinner theater at the Owasco Reformed Church. And it's also a fundraiser to support the mission work of the church.

“There is a very serious aspect to this,” said Pastor Marcia Gibbons. “The money we raise will be sent to the Reformed Church World Service to aid victims in the Gulf Coast region. Even though it's no longer headline news, there are still people in need.”

The Reformed Church is providing financial and other assistance for four major projects in the area devastated by the hurricanes of 2005 in Texas, Louisiana and Mississippi. They are partnering with Habitat for Humanity, the Southern Mutual Help Association and Camp Coastal Outpost.

On Sunday, March 2, Ron Sanford, who was the church pastor from 1978-1982, will be giving a special sermon at the church before he begins work as a church missionary as part of a project called “To Every Tribe.”

The members of Owasco Reformed Church enjoy the lighter side of the church social action while they raise money for projects that are very important to them. The church hall was filled to capacity for the mystery dinner theater. Before the fun started, two very musical teen members of the church contributed their talents to event.

Ben, 16, and Dakota, 13, Denman were dressed to complement the Mardi Gras theme of the mystery. They walked through the church hall, wearing their electric guitars,