On Tuesday, March 6, 2007, St. Joan of Arc’s co-pastors plus representatives from staff and the parish council invited all people who joined the parish within the past year to a dinner party held in their honor. This was their official welcome and introduction to St. Joan’s while learning first hand about SJA hospitality as prescribed in the official Parish Goals.

Upon entering Hospitality Hall, writing their nametags and signing in, they were given a handbook containing the church’s history, its mission statement, goals and its many programs and activities.

This dinner proved to be a walking, talking, breathing, come to life living entity of our Sunday Bulletin heading and opening familiar motto: “We Welcome You Wherever You Are On Your Journey”.

Words of welcome were heard many times, but more than words permeated the room. It was the friendliness and warmth, the decorations, appetizers spread on the table, beverage choices and smiling faces that brought that familiar phrase to life in the best way possible.

By the time this intergenerational group had finished the appetizers and chosen a suitable table; prayed the pre-meal blessing and had finished the delicious dinner spread before them, they were ready to get to know more about their new community.

Master of Ceremonies, Norine Larson, took command of the microphone to have some fun with the staff while giving the audience much needed information. Through her clever use of a quiz with prizes, this audience learned and participated eagerly.

Seated among the group of new parishioners, were members of the staff and parish council who intermixed with them. Lively conversations ensued. I suspect that there might have been a bit of help coming from those seasoned members of the parish during the quiz. (They were placed “on their honor” and no one walked the aisles to check). The prizes were eagerly snatched up and some lucky people went home with some remembrance of St. Joan’s, most notably a red or white SJA baseball cap or other forgettable sundries and parish ‘white elephants’.

I hope that the pictures placed here will help you to recognize the faces of our new parishioners. They hold great promise in continuing the traditions and philosophies of St. Joan of Arc.

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JoAnn Potts is a retired teacher, music/English/choir director and 35 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, poetry and SJA web articles; keeping up with family and friends. JoAnn and Jim, husband and wife team of 54 years, are proud of their family of five children and nine grandchildren. Wanna see pictures?  JoAnn can be reached at joannpotts@gmail.com.

As this fine introduction to St. Joan’s, along with the aroma of a fine dinner, fades from memory and new vistas open up for each and every one of our newest fellow parishioners, we want to let them know how happy we are to have them as part of the growing family of St. Joan of Arc.