What an amazing day last Sunday was!
First of all, Sunday worship was filled with joy! Friends and family of Pastor Dana and Devanie joined us at service. The music was lively and awe-inspiring.
What was most wondrous was how the people of Genesee Lutheran Parish worked together so well to create a remarkable and exciting celebration of the Installation Service for Pastor Dana!
Even though much of the preparation which happened earlier and behind the scenes was completed, three o'clock at the park was a bit hectic!
The band, Borderline Blue, with members Patrick Adams, Keri Le Force, and Gary Scheer, were moving into the gazebo and setting up. Patrick and Gary even let some neighborhood kids open their cases and "help" them set up!
Football team players had moved the HEAVY picnic tables the night before so that the tables could be decorated with red and white gingham tablecloths and BEAUTIFUL zinnias from the garden of Connie Jain, sister of Amy Jain Peterson.
INSPIRE had created garlands from old hymnal pages to decorate the gazebo.
Phyllis Kannikeberg, Dana Carter, Louise Marone, and Jennifer Parkins created a lovely altar at the gazebo! They also selected hymns for the audience to sing, and Jennifer sang for us!
Bishop-Elect Kristen arrived with a joyful smile, easing any concerns that some of the organizers felt and immediately met with other visiting pastors and Pastor Dana: Pastor and Cluster Dean, Phil Misner, from Endicott and Colfax, and his children; Pastor Wes Howell and his wife Linda, Pastor Phyllis Stromme, and Pastor Dean.
Members of Genesee Lutheran Parish, members of the different churches of the Palouse Cluster, as well as of the local Genesee Community Church attended, as well as Genesee friends! At least 86 people attended this beautiful event.
After the installation, Borderline Blue began playing; owner and chef of Big John's Barbeque, GLP Council President John Marone barbecued the yummy chicken and hot dogs for the free picnic. Members of the church provided home-made potato salad, side dishes, and rolls. A huge sheet cake, welcoming Pastor Dana, was dessert.
After a great afternoon of conversation, music, and food and when time came to wrap up the party,
Doug Cartwright, Rich Parkins, Brent Studer, Rich and John Marone, Dan Carter, and Pastor Dana (maybe more?) helped move the heavy furniture and supplies to clean up the area. Thank you to the ladies: Karen Fliger, Randi Adams, Dana Carter, and Rosanna Cartwright who served food and beverages.
Our dear little Genesee Lutheran Parish sure knows how to put on a shin-dig! I am still amazed at how everyone chipped in and made this marvelous day happen!
Welcome, Helsings!
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