In an unusual move, our church service was cancelled last Sunday, but for a reason. You see, Maranatha Lutheran church and St. Philip are engaged in a covenant partnership and there are times when we have special events that we invite Maranatha members to worship with us, and times that they have special events to which we are invited. Granted we can attend their worship any time, and they are welcome to do the same.

The picnic time had come around again, and having something to do with creating the bulletins, I made sure their welcome was posted often enough that our members would get to see it–that and the address so everyone could find it.

The day dawned hot and sunny, and we were ready with salad, drinks, picnic plates, napkins and cutlery in our picnic basket. Having never been to one of their picnics, my husband and I didn’t know what to expect. If we had  gone by other events, we might have known, but picnics in a park can be different and I hadn’t seen the sign-up sheet in weeks because we had been away on vacation.

We arrived to see people putting table cloths on the picnic tables. Leonard Maitland, of Maranatha, was getting out some of the wrapped cloths. I volunteered to help, and we were a team. Ruby and her daughter Wendy were another team and some of the women, including Leonard’s wife, Eugenie, were busy getting the food tables ready..

A member of Maranatha who always has the most wonderful smile.

And one more, Ubaldo, his wife and Angie.

Some people really dress up for a church picnic.

The Janssen family, talking about their summer plans

What do we do while waiting? We visit. Lynette chatting with Carolyn and Don

Opening of the service. Ubaldo, musician for Maranatha, accompanies us on his accordion.

Pastor Claudine, at the front, leading worship

One request for a song was “O Canada.” We can give thanks for our country. Everyone knows this song, including these two children.

After the service, it was time to enjoy the good food, salad first since the chicken was not quite ready. The chicken and hot dishes were worth waiting for. They were yummy, as were the salads.

The Starlite Steel Band set up and began playing…

A new addition to the band? He’s traded in his accordion for a steel drum

Then time for more visiting and some dessert.

Games for big kids and little ones with hula hoops and balls. No ball game today, I guess. It’s pretty hot out there. So glad for the picnic shelter.

Thanks, Maranatha members, for your hospitality and the good food.