Small Christian Community Picnic
Thursday, June 22, 2000
This is the first time out for this reporter. My picture taking crew (007, AKA Bob Brennan, pictured later) was most enthusiastic. We had a wonderful evening. There was lots of food and children's games, even the adults joined in. There was a three-legged race (below left), balloon toss, egg relay (below center)and even an egg toss (below right). This was really messy. Tom Smith Myott reported about 50 adults in attendance and many of the cutest kids around.
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I had the opportunity to try these "veggie" burger things that I keep hearing about. Yes, they seem like food that even people can eat. I can't say that I'll give up hamburger though. I was also treated to a to-die-for Chocolate Cherry cake. Cake, on a summer night, with a little ice cream, ooh. What a treat.
I chatted with Betti Resner and Michele Dennis(right), the instigators
for tonight's event. Michele initiated the idea at this winter's SCC
retreat. She had such a good time that she wanted to share her experience
with others. She envisioned an evening such as this, one with the greatest
weather and no mosquitoes. There's always something good to say about a
picnic in Minnesota with no mosquitoes. Michele and Betti worked with their
SCC to plan and coordinate the evening's food and games.
I asked Michele and Betti "What is the focus of your SCC?" Betti responded that they were 'cool people.' They've done book reading, volunteered their services at the paint-a-thon, wrapping gifts and meals for the Little Brothers. And Betti added that their SCC 'argued.' They are topic oriented, sometimes using "Tomorrow's Catholic" as a resource. Their group has an age range spanning 40 years. The group just celebrated their two year anniversary with a picnic at Lake Harriet.
Bob Brennen (AKA 007/photographer), in another two year old SCC of 12 people, spoke about
his group using the Sunday readings for topical discussions as well as going
on biking and retreat outings. They sponsored a family at Christmas and
during Lent, when they gathered, they ate only bread and water.
Karen Jones and Rick Nelson (right)are in an SCC of 11 people. They also use
readings to guide their discussions. They talk about spirituality in their
life and how it effects personal decisions. They have some members that are
new to SJA who wished to make more intimate connections with other
parishioners. Through their SCC involvement, they have made more individual
contacts and know others by name on Sunday mornings. They even accept
Lutherans in their group.
I talked with Mary and Tom Gorzycki (left), whose group has been
together about 5 years. They have done book studies and recommend Bishop Jim
Shannon's "The Reluctant Dissenter." They enjoyed Shannon's book so much and
invited him to meet with them. He did so. They also recommend Scott Rick's
"The Road Less Traveled." Upon learning that their group had read "Men are
from Mars, Women are from Venus" Tom informed me that they had diverse
interests. Tom talked about his search for a parish. He equates this with
food, suggesting that when we are hungry, we think about what we want to eat
to satisfy us. He finds SJA a banquet, loves to see friends. He has
satisfied his hunger.
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It was a most successful first annual SCC picnic. I'd do it again.
Signing off, yours truly, Vickie Hepler