HANCEVILLE, Ala. – Guests at the Cullman Seventh-day Adventist Church didn’t need a passport to travel the world Sunday afternoon, Oct. 11. They just needed an appetite.
The church hosted its 2026 International Food Fair, inviting the community to “come hungry and explore the world!” Tables lined the fellowship hall, each decorated to represent a different country or culture, with dishes from England and Europe to India, the Dominican Republic, Cuba, Puerto Rico and Antigua.
Pastor Gabriel Agramonte said the event was about bringing people together.
“Today we are here trying to bring together the community. We have prepared something special for our community, where everybody’s welcome,” Agramonte said. “The interesting thing is that we get food from each culture that is represented in our church, from India, from the Caribbean and from many other places.”
“We’re happy to have many people who are joining us today, and we’re so glad that we have you here,” he added. “This church in Cullman is your church, your house, and you’re more than welcome to come.”
Around the world, one table at a time
At the India table, members dressed in colorful saris greeted guests and served Indian street food, including crisp puri shells, colorful fryums and a variety of chutneys and toppings. The table was decorated with a polished steel thali set, clay diya lamps, carved wooden figurines, an embroidered parasol and Hindi alphabet books. Members also offered guests a traditional bindi, a decorative jewel worn on the forehead.
The Puerto Rico table welcomed visitors with a hand-lettered banner reading “Bienvenidos a Puerto Rico — Buen Provecho,” or “Welcome to Puerto Rico — enjoy your meal.” It featured white rice, a hearty stew, Taíno sun artwork and a carved Puerto Rico paddle, while the flags of Antigua and Barbuda and other nations hung around the room.
Another table offered trays of cookies, shortbread and scones, along with sliced bread.
A family history lesson
Congregation member Irma Tubbs brought a piece of American history to share. At her table, Tubbs displayed a copy of “Hooper Genealogy: A Southern Branch” and a print of William Hooper’s signature on the Declaration of Independence. Hooper was one of North Carolina’s three signers of the document.
Tubbs pulled up a portrait of Hooper on her phone as she talked with guests about her family’s history.
Room to gather
The church also owns Sabbath Nature Park, a wooded property behind the church with walking trails, picnic tables and a stone fire ring. One congregation member said that when the weather is nice, the church sometimes hosts bonfires with s’mores for the kids.
Join them
The Cullman Seventh-day Adventist Church is located at 3033 County Road 490 in Hanceville. Saturday services are held at 9:30 and 11 a.m., and visitors are welcome.
For more information, call 256-737-5158 or visit www.cullmanadventist.org.
