A letter from a congregational member about this year's picnic...
The picnic started off with a delicious smorgasbord of barbecue chicken, brats, hot dogs and hamburgers. There was also a wide variety of salads and desserts that were homemade by members of the congregation. Thank you to all that brought these delicious treats to the picnic. |
Our annual church picnic this year was held on Sunday, March 29th at 
Pastor Alan,
As I work through the early afternoon of this Monday morning, I felt the need to email you and ask your consideration in sharing my thoughts with all of those who worked so hard in making the Church Picnic a wonderful event.
The drive is always pleasant as I lead our family to Howard Park. We are excited about the Church Picnic as the weather has cleared and we all all especially hungry. MaryLisa is holding brownies made earlier that day with Rachel and Renae and Joey is asking to listen to "his" music on the radio. We have a couple of chairs packed and a whiffle ball and bat. The kids are glad it is not raining as it did last year and I wonder if we are playing kick ball again. As a group, we all seem to find a peace and serenity in all the conversation and thoughts.
We arrive to see a few of our friends from the Church. Although, I don't know everyone's name by heart, they are all familiar faces. The fresh air is mixed with the aroma of freshly made hot dogs, chicken, hamburgers and bratwurst. Tables are covered with salads and desserts and church members are carrying on various conversations greeting one another and commenting on the weather, food and togetherness. We play badminton, volleyball and participate in a number of games enjoying all of them. The food is delicious especially a homemade salad of fresh tomato, basil and mozzarella.
I'm not sure exactly when it happens each time but being with the Church whether it be in service, sharing soup on Wednesday, chatting with fellow members or just being together at a picnic, makes me feel closer to God and to all of you. I guess how simplistic it all seems helps to calm my day and warm my heart along with the blessing I have with MaryLisa and the children.
It appears a special thank you isn't enough but perhaps a special prayer and blessing to all who worked to set the event, cooked to feed the masses and to all of those who participated is more what I had in mind.
Thank you and God Bless!
Paul P. Martin
The kids and adults were treated to a lot of fun games including, badminton, horseshoes, three-legged races, egg races and snatch-the-marshmallow. A very special thank you goes out to Lisa, Jerry and Johnathan Rude, to Ken and Kathie Chernes and Dale Woodworth whose tireless efforts made this year's picnic a really fun event. |
