St. Paul's Parish Picnic

St. Paul's Parish Picnic: You're Invited!

(originally appeared in a Rector's Message in early July, 2010)

I love picnics! Ours begins at 11 AM on a chosen Sunday Morning (no 10 AM Eucharist), it is usually at Hills Creek Park in one of the pavilions just off the main parking area by the lake. We have the celebration of the Eucharist first, and then the picnic. Guests are always welcomed.

Usually people bring their table service, and a dish to pass.

Canon Greg distributes Holy Communion
at the Mass that begins
St. Paul's annual Parish Picnic (2005).
Photo, Michelle Lawrence.

Canon Greg and Susan Hinton and other members of
The Good News-Goodtime Band (not pictured)
provide the music for the Picnic Mass.
Photo, Michelle Lawrence.

We dine sumptuously after the abbreviated Eucharist.

The parish provides the hot dogs, buns, condiments, and beverages (soda pop and water).

I love parish picnics. They are a time of great fun, fellowship and enjoyment. They also remind me about the original version of the parish picnic—the generosity of God shown in the feeding of the five thousand on five loaves of bread and two fish. We’re reminded that the Eucharist itself is a meal in which we are fed and nourished in our souls for meeting the joys and challenges of life.

We’re also reminded how abundant our lives really are. (Our menu is a little more diversified than hardtack and anchovies!)

CLICK HERE
to see a video montage of a typical parish picnic.

Come and enjoy the day. Give thanks to God for his great blessings that we enjoy. The blessings of nature will surround us. The blessings of the fellowship that we enjoy with our brothers and sisters in Jesus will encourage us. The blessings that we enjoy as citizens of these United States include that we can gather and worship and give thanks for that good heritage that is ours. So, give thanks with grateful hearts, and enjoy the picnic!

Faithfully,

Canon Greg+
(7/4/2010)

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CLICK HERE
to see a video montage.