Fall was in full swing in Lansing Thursday.

Leaves were on the ground, temperatures dipped into the 40s and the soup was on at the Lansing United Methodist Church.

Thursday kicked off two seasons’ worth of “Soupfest” events for the church, which hosts the day-long meal the first Thursday of the month through April.

Four to five homemade soups are usually featured, along with homemade bread and dessert from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

A freewill offering is encouraged.

“We don’t make anything that’s not delicious,” said Ron Thomas, a church member for the past seven years.

The soups are made by various church parishioners and on Thursday, the selection included chili, vegetable beef, chicken noodle and a creamy potato variety made by Jean Boverhuis.

Boverhuis has been attending the church since the third grade.

“I don’t think there’s a secret; there’s just a talent,” she said of making her soup.

The soup selection is always different each Soupfest.

Other favorites throughout the years have included wild rice, broccoli cheese and taco soup.

Nobody Thursday knew how long the Soupfest had been a tradition at Lansing United Methodist, but members agreed it has been going strong for at least 14 years and probably dates well before that.

By 3 p.m., 50 people had already attended the event, and organizers say a typical Soupfest can bring close to 200 people.

“We usually have a nice evening crowd,” Boverhuis said.

In addition to the soups and the desserts, some of the church’s women also sell baked goods as a church fundraiser and on Thursday, those included cinnamon rolls and banana bread.

“I hope so,” said Dorothy Winn, when asked if her homemade treats were good. “They’re all gone except for two banana breads.”

Back in the dining area, church member Marianne Hamilton sat down for a bowl of chili.

“It’s good; it’s real good,” she said.

Thomas said soupfest is held every fall and winter for two reasons.

“It’s a (church) fundraiser, and to let everyone know we’re here and alive,” he said.

The Lansing United Methodist Church is a place that’s 159 years old, rich with tradition and where the soup’s on every first Thursday for the next five months.

“And if you come across a good recipe, let us know,” Boverhuis said.