In the midst of each of the many round tables was a centerpiece of a fresh yellow Mum plant placed on a green tablecloth. The bright yellow plastic plates and napkins matched the centerpieces to complete the welcoming feel upon entering this room.

This year Roseann reserved places for 175 people. This included members of the St. Joan staff, members of the Parish Council plus St. Joan’s special guests for the evening, the extraordinary singing group from Cape Town, South Africa, The Christian Explainers. This group delighted everyone with first, a lovely Blessing Song and followed later with a close harmony gospel hymn performed by the men of the group.

Meanwhile, the volunteers scurried around the kitchen, each doing the endless and varied jobs of getting the food ready. The Mary and Martha Catering Company provided the delicious dinner and it had arrived ready to serve. Harriet Horner was chief overseer of volunteers; Mary and Tom Gorsky, Peggy and Mike Whalin, Dennis and Marguerite Charlton, Pat Murphy, Kathie and Frank DuRocher and Jim Potts.

The room changed from that whisper quiet to a cacophony of joyful noise and laughter as guests were welcomed and given brochures, name tags and explained the “getting to know you” opener game. People then moved toward the appetizer and beverage tables.

Some families brought their little ones who seemed to be delighted to be among such vibrant activity. The freshly scrubbed high chairs were brought out and well used.

After the sung blessing by the Christian Explainers, St. Joan’s Pastor, George Wertin welcomed everyone with a special prayer. After which, the business of eating began. The delightful dinner included a generous tasty chicken and rice dish, the ever child favorite, macaroni and cheese, a huge green salad, blue (yes, blue) Jell-O for the children, loads of delicious dinner rolls and bars of various delights to choose from for dessert. I don’t believe anyone went away hungry.

As the meal progressed, the room became even more full of laughter and chatter as people got to know each other and one could easily see some quick bonding as they answered questions as a group with Noreen Larson, the evening’s Mistress of Ceremony, gave a promise of some wonderful prizes for the correct answers. After the questions were answered, the prizes were presented to the winners and guests were still chatting together after the meal was over. It seemed as though people were reluctant to leave. This appears to me to be one way of saying they had a nice time.

Yes, it was just another “church dinner”, but what is it that makes this one so special? I can’t find the right words, except to say that it might be the St. Joan spirit of welcoming, warmth, openness and energy that seems to penetrate those walls. It felt to me as though everyone in the room was celebrating a homecoming. Perhaps, joining St. Joan’s family IS like coming home to each and

and

JoAnn Potts is a retired music and English teacher/choir director and 30 year member of St. Joan's. She enjoys volunteering to assist Anna Vagle with music tasks one day each week; singing in the choir; writing her memoirs and poetry; keeping up with friends and family via email; visiting the North Shore and entertaining friends. JoAnn and Jim, husband and wife team of 50 years, are proud of their family of five children and nine grandchildren. JoAnn can be reached at jpotts@mn.rr.com.

every new parishioner and they must have discovered that we really do ‘welcome you wherever you are on your journey’.