This is the 10th anniversary of the increasingly popular meal, and coincides with the 100th anniversary year of the church itself.

The Maple Syrup Brunch will be held at the Shirley Town Hall, just down the street from the church, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Sunday, April 2. Everyone is invited and encouraged to attend.

It's widely known that Shirley has some of the best cooks in the Moosehead region, and many of them will be at work preparing pancakes (two kinds, blueberry and "regular"), two kinds of baked beans, breakfast casseroles, hash browns, muffins, biscuits, fruit cup, juices, coffee, tea, and hot chocolate. Everything is homemade and the pancakes are prepared as you walk through the serving line.

And arguably, the best part is the freshly made maple syrup direct from Charlie Baker's Sugar Shack. This delicious North Woods treat will be freshly made and you can pour it over all the goodies with which you've loaded your plate.

Admission will be by donation, with income going to the Shirley Community Church's operating fund. This is the church's major fundraising event of the year. There are many projects to be completed this year, and the Maple Syrup Brunch each year helps provide resources for upkeep and ongoing activities at the "Church on the Hill."

After brunch, head up West Road and look for signs directing you to Baker's Sugar Shack, where Charlie and Debi Lynne Baker will be on hand to show you maple syrup being produced (weather permitting).

It was in February 1906 when construction of the Shirley church was completed and a dedication ceremony was held. During 2006, a number of special activities are planned to commemorate the events of that founding year and to celebrate a century of God's presence in the town. A special church service is planned for Old Home Sunday, which will be held on August 20.

Due to the Maple Syrup Brunch starting at 11 a.m. on April 2, the Sunday worship service will begin at 9 a.m. This is an hour earlier than the usual 10 a.m. service. Everyone is invited to attend church then  drive down to the town hall for brunch.