by Bonnie Seely

Perfect picnic weather insured success as the congregation of Shiremanstown United Methodist Church enjoyed its annual church picnic, this year designated an "Old-Fashioned Picnic," and a bicentennial event. The picnic was, as usual, planned by the Worship Committee, but with input this year from the Bicentennial Committee. Volunteers arrived at 9:00 AM to set up, and the festivities began at 10:30 AM with an outdoor church service led by Pastor John Ile and liturgist Sylvia Smith. A number of parishioners came in costumes representative of earlier times in our church’s history. The bicentennial minute, presented by Bonnie Seely, featured long-time member Emma Nester, who joined the church in 1900 at the age of 13, was married to husband John in the church in 1912, and remained a member for 82 years until her death at the age of 94. The senior choir sang the lively, inspiring anthem "Keeping the Faith," accompanied by bird song and the wind in the trees. Pastor Ile preached on the parable of the sower, taken from Mark 4:1-9, with focus on the importance of really hearing the Word. After the service, picnic lunches brought by church members were supplemented by drinks and cake provided by the church, and a special treat of homemade ice cream. Popcorn made in a big old-time popcorn machine was available throughout the afternoon. At 12:45 the games began with an old-fashioned cake walk, open to participants of all ages. Thirty-four cakes donated by church members were given as prizes. Checker and chess boards were set up, and although there were not enough players to form a tournament, those who did play had fun. Children in grades 1 through 6 were invited to go on a "natural" scavenger hunt, finding items such as chickweed, plantain leaves, and live (undamaged!) ants. Following the scavenger hunt, they tried their hand at jacks, marbles, jump rope and hula hooping, and went home with one (or a set) of each. Smaller children were invited to join in a peanut scramble and lollipop pick. A "Kodak moment" was made available to all, thanks to Keith Sultzbaugh, who donated bales of hay, and Bill and Gwen Burridge and Tom and Carol Wilson, who loaned antiques. Joe Seidel and Max Nagley contributed their time to snap the photos. Vera Glasgow and Carol Wilson had a display of photos from the old fashioned service, when a large percentage of the congregation came in costume, available for all to see and order, if desired. Tina Lebo presided over distribution of the long awaited Cats Meow churches, which were available for pick up and for purchase. The artwork and historical summaries were very well done, and the pieces make excellent collectors items. To top off a perfect afternoon, the 40-plus member New Singer Band performed from 1:00 p.m. until 2:30 p.m., playing a variety of medleys and music. This all volunteer band, with the talent and bearing of a professional band, cannot be praised enough for their contribution to this event. The peaceful, pleasant pastime of sitting in the shade listening to music in the park, with a cool breeze blowing, truly makes one yearn for slower paced, simpler times.

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