Fellowship

The location has varied over the years but the format is similar – singing favorite gospel hymns on various instruments with food either before or after. It has always been sometime in September just before the fall coolness arrives.

This year 17 participated with Jim Heimbach on the piano and Helmut on the violin with some vocals from Nancy. It has been in the church, besides the Parish House, in Portobago Bay but this year was the first time in a private home, the Heimbach home.

The history of the event is here and it goes back to 2007. As Helmut describes, “From our residence, we see the river front improvement here at Portobago. The Lord has created this beautiful spot for us. So, why not thank him and praise him right there in the midst of his beautiful creation.”

In spite of the third rainy weekend in a row, the 8 hardy souls who went to Shrine Mont enjoyed getting together with Christ Church friends. This was our 5th year of retreats with Christ Episcopal

In the food, worship and relaxing down time we shared, we drew closer to God and to one another. Bridgette Long was hands down the most charming, irresistible person in the group. This year the group watched The Spitfire Grill, a movie that contained thought provoking themes about redemption, forgiveness, and sacrificial love

Our Shrine Mont weekend with Christ Episcopal was May 5-7 with 10 going this year. (Not pictured, Barbara and Edge). This is the 4th year Christ Episcopal has invited to share in the wonder of Shrine Mont. The theme was Celtic Christianity which was presented by Catherine on a very rainy weekend. (They couldn’t worship in the Shrine but did manage to hike to the cross.

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Here are 4 years of Shrine Mont retreat

Although the event had to be moved to Portabago Bay to St. Peter’s due to the early morning rainfall, about 40 people participated in the annual gospel sing-a-long preceded by and followed a wide variety of foods. Thanks to Nancy Long for her direction of the events and for cooks Liz Heimbach, Linda Beck, Terri Harrison, and Nancy Long as well as musicians Helmut, Marilyn, Mildred and returning for this event Denise Symonds.

Ladies Night Out for the 12th year was celebrated at St. Peter’s. The date of the event 3/14/2015 was know as “Pi” day since the mathematical concept of pie starts with those numbers.|We had 26 people on a lovely night where the rain had stopped and the sun was peaking through at 6pm at the beginning of the event. The Hors d’oeuvre part before the main dinner went on a little longer as people enjoyed chicken wings, ham biscuits, salmon and crackers and drinks combined with socializing.|The dinner had an enormous amount of food – Johnny’s venison, Stanley’s meatloaf, Dave’s fish (cooked on site), Joe’s pot of vegetables, Alex’s kale and salmon, Ken’s terriyaki chicken plus remains of the earlier course and rice and a spicy corn pudding. There were 3 pies for pi day – cherry, apple and blackberry that were extremely tasty

We had at least two couples on vacation but we still had 28-30 for a night of wonderful food and generous laughter, the 11th year of the event.|As usual the Men “cooked” for the Ladies and it was outstanding. Johnny’s venison , Dave’s catfish, Ken’s chicken dish, Barbara’s macaroni, Eunice’s deviled eggs, Mary Ann’s sangria, Steve’s pork sliders (Catherine and Ben’s son-in-law) and many others, including a blueberry cobbler (Johnny) at the end. There were plenty of vegetables – brocoli, corn pudding, and spoonbread. The entertainment was a game of “Jeopardy” which the men won at the end.

We had over 35 people at our annual New Year’s Eve celebration, a noticeable larger turnout from last year. The people and food change from year to year but the glad tidings and celebration are a constant|This year we had a wonderful hordeuvres selection with Chinese foods, little casseroles, peanut soup and raw salad. Thanks to Andrea and Sylvia for a number of those items plus Marilyn for her peanut soup. You could have made your dinner on just these. We can’t forget Bill’s wicked eggnog which was very popular and provided warmth on a cold night with temperatures dipping into the 20’s. It didn’t last the evening. Cookie was our impecable host serving ham biscuits and Dave’s salmon.|Dinner included a Johnny’s venison (a mainstay), two different corn puddings, black eyed peas (a must!), mixed vegetable plate, rice, Caesar salad and an Italian dish. Desserts included a walnut pie, a fruit cake, cream cheese crescent

It was a special Sunday at St. Peter’s – a Coffee Hour celebrating the upcoming wedding of Justin and Karen.|After church there was a “prelude to Coffee Hour” just outside the parish house with drinks and toasts. Presents were provided to Justin and Karen in a basket. Nancy recalled how the engagement went. Today, Helmut played “Ave Maria” for them today while we sipped sparkling cider, orange juice with champagne and mimosa punch. Alex and Justin provided toast. Justin thanked the Church for being with him through his life.|Nancy and Cookie were at the church early preparing drinks and food. The food in Coffee Hour included a wonderful salmon and bernaise sauce, ham sandwiches, chicken salad, a bean dish, cheese and a celebratory cake. It was sponsored by the Wicks and Bowens.