Fellowship

It All Happens Behind the Scenes, with Our Thanks!

When Nancy Moore and I started sharing the Vestry Fellowship responsibilities, we quickly learned that what you see for an hour or two in the Narthex or the Upper Hall requires at least twice that much time, energy, and effort before and after the event…and it’s not just our efforts, but a huge part of that is from volunteers who donate food items, help plan, set-up, prep, and clean-up afterwards. That’s why, this, the second Piper article of our tenure on Vestry, is dedicated to those who have helped us, and to those who have yet to do so. So, to that second group: get ready, we know you’re out there!

A perfect example was the collection of events around Easter. The Easter Vigil Service was followed by a reception that was a harbinger of the celebratory tone for the holiday. Hot hors d’oeuvre’s, meats, assorted cheeses, fresh vegetable platters, and fruit trays were the mainstay of the food offerings provided through the Fellowship Committee. Special thanks go to the Pratts, the Gelches, the Butchs, and the Spensers for creating an abundance of dessert items. And, of course, what would a Saint Andrew’s meal be without sparkling wine? The answer: imagine, if you can, an event that didn’t feature Geoff McConnell’s generosity and expertise. THAT would be it. Thankfully, Geoff was there explaining, advising, and pouring. The ambience of the evening was set with classical music being played in the background. This was a splendid way to launch into Easter Sunday…and so much of it happened before…behind the scenes.

Our Easter Sunday plans left that day open to larger family celebrations after the services. So, we hosted coffee hours in the Narthex after both the 8 am service, and the 10 am service. Based on the feedback from members of the congregation these where a “hit.” Service attendees are lingering to drink some coffee or tea, and snack on everything from meat and mozzarella rolls to Girl Scout cookies. More importantly, they are meeting, talking, sharing…fellowship!

In addition to the Easter events mentioned above, we are continuing to host coffee hours every Sunday of the year. Our recent Sunday events again show that the real source of what happens in those brief events starts behind the scenes. The Carrolls, the Johnsons, the Moretzsohns, the Bardwells, and the Cikoski’s worked on the 8 am coffee hours and the Favoritos, Rileys, McIlhennys, Gallos, and choir members all assisted for the 10 am coffee hours. Our sincere thanks go to them. Success was indeed the result of a team effort.

There is also a large effort that goes into the “kitchen logistics” that operates unseen…behind the scenes! Over the last month we have reviewed and ordered new supplies and staples. We have purged old and expired items, and will be implementing a method for improved labeling for food and drinks to maintain freshness and safety. We want to thank members who have donated items over the years. Any suggestions for items or ideas you may have is appreciated.

Hopefully this article of the Piper gave you a better insight into all that happens “around” every event you come to enjoy. We recognize that there are two types of people in our congregation: those have participated and supported these Fellowship events, and those who soon will. For those in the first category, whose names are mentioned above, we thank you and want everyone to know you were there for them. If you are in the second category and invite you to make your mark on one of these events, either behind the scenes or in front, now is your chance. Please contact Mary Lou Mancini at mlmancini55@gmail.com, or Nancy Moore at neemoore@yahoo.com. We’d love to hear from you.