New North District hosts clergy family picnic

By Sheila Milz
North District Resource Assistant

The first North District Clergy Family Picnic at Knoebels Amusement Resort, on August 26, was a hit! More than 110 folks attended, including single clergy, families and multi-generational families as well.

We always encourage clergy to bring children and grandchildren, and they did! Over 10 laity volunteered to help with the setup, registration, sound system arrangements and operation, overseeing games, and serving the clergy.

Music was provided by Free Spirit, the District’s praise band. The Rev. Irving Cotto, District Superintendent, shared devotions on “Evange-tality: Being a Warm, Welcoming Church.”

Watch the video:

Knoebels provided the meal; and the Methodists United Mission Connection from the Shamokin area provided desserts. We kept the cost down for clergy by charging $5 for one person and $10 for two or more.

The North District Office subsidized the remainder of the event to show appreciation to our clergy and their families. Each registrant received a t-shirt. We got many questions and comments in the park about our t-shirts.

Also, tickets for rides in the park were given as prizes to the winners of the games played. And there was face painting for children, brain games and other prizes, and singalong to two songs as an icebreaker.  During the song “Bind Us Together,” everyone linked hands to illustrate the unity of the new North District.

“Our whole family really enjoyed themselves with the short worship and the games and the food,” wrote the Rev. Ed and Sue Unangst. “Thanks again for this event and for all your hard work putting this together.”

“Lee and I really had a great time at the district picnic at Knoebels. Loved the games!” wrote Carole Adams, wife of the Rev. Lee Adams. “It was fun reconnecting with fellow pastors and spouses.”

Enjoy the photos! View the full Flickr album