Church Picnic 2009

With a tinge of fall color on the City Park trees, family and friends gathered for the 10th Annual Winterset Community Church Picnic. As usual, everyone brought a special recipe from home (or a favorite from the store) and loaded the potluck table with tasty side-dishes and an abundance of mouth-watering desserts.

The long green tables at the open shelter quickly filled with diaper bags, purses, and coffee cups as adults mingled and children raced for the nearby playground equipment. Children seemed just as excited to greet friends and strike up conversations as their parents were--although for them, the steaming hot baptismal pool was a much bigger draw.

When Pastor Scott called everyone together to pray, a thankful hush fell over the crowd. At the "Amen," a line the length of the shelter house formed and plates began to bow under the weight of the feast. If picnic tables could be revolving doors, this was their big day! With so many gathered to enjoy God's creation and each other's company, a new family would fill in where another finished up. This made for plenty of opportunities to meet new faces and to connect with a number of Fall diners.

With plates cleared, everyone was invited over to the baptismal pool. Pastor Scott introduced the grown ups who'd decided to publically declare their faith in Christ and to obediently follow His example of baptism. As individuals were asked to share their own personal story of discovering Christ's love for them, there were few dry eyes among the crowd--He is so good and faithful! Four adults experienced baptism with the help of Pastor Scott.

Next came the youth--Pastor Jay Bock had his first opportunity to baptize the young people in his ministry who decided to follow Jesus. What a blessing to see the joyful smiles on the faces of these nine boys and girls!

When the baptisms were complete, Pastor Jay invited everyone down to the lawn for team games.

By now some of the little ones were either soaked from splashing in the water or tuckered out from all the fun. It was a blessed day with beautiful weather! Praise God for the fellowship found within the church!