Twin Cities area sister and affiliate picnic promises to become an annual event

by Krista Clements Orlan, affiliate

About 20 sisters and affiliates from the Minneapolis/St. Paul area and beyond gathered together on Aug. 30, 2009, for a blustery summer afternoon of prayer, good food and visiting. People traveled from Iowa and West Central Minnesota, through road construction and the winding roads of the Minnehaha Parkway, to finally arrive at a picnic gazebo at the Wabun Picnic Area that is surrounded by a Frisbee golf course and next door to the wading pond.

Shortly after arriving, everyone gathered around a picnic table for a simple covenant renewal led by Sister Suzanne Rubenbauer. Joining me in covenant renewal were Chet Corey, Barb Kotasek and Bonnie White. I led everyone in singing The Canticle of Creation and each affiliate read in turn their personal promises toward prayer, community and ministry. The service ended with a song everyone knew by heart, Amazing Grace.

The time for feasting had finally arrived! A buffet of wonderful fare filled the table: an assortment of beans, a tater tot hot dish, various salads and fruit and amazing desserts! Barb Kotasek’s husband went on a special mission to get a cake for the occasion that was absolutely luscious (even though the inscription read “FSP” instead of “FSPA”). There was ice cream and more chocolate and finally, Sister Suzanne’s brother arrived (after getting lost) with lots of fresh organic vegetables for everyone to eat.

The remainder of our time together was spent sipping coffee to stay warm while we shared stories and digested our food. As the afternoon wind picked up, everyone scampered after the blowing napkins, gathered the plates and silverware in an effort to “think green,” and made their way home after a lovely Sunday afternoon in the park.

Photos courtesy of Barb Kotasek