On September 28, we did not let the rain stop our chance to gather for the UMCom fall picnic. Instead, we moved activities indoors and still enjoyed fellowship, fun and good food despite the gloomy window view.
After filling our bellies with tasty treats like burgers, fancy egg rolls, corn on the cob and banana pudding, we learned that plans were afoot to ensure we worked off some calories.
Throughout the afternoon, Human Resource's Helen Allen led staff in a number of team-building activities reminiscent of school field days.
A train-themed game jumpstarted the fun. Though staff were offered the chance to board a train, only those who elected to bring an eligible item were given passage. The exercise was frustrating for some and led to "light bulb" moments for others as people grasped the pattern for entry. Overall, attendees were reminded to keep one another on the same page to ensure that we successfully move forward in ministry together.
Shortly after the train game's pattern reveal, staff drew random numbers and were divided into teams.
The competition stared with team's battling it out to sink the most bean bags into cornhole boards in a short timeframe. (We'd be remiss not to call out Beverly Wilkinson for her valiant successful toss that landed at the very last second.)
Teams then moved onto a spoon race game. The objective was to be the fastest team for each member to carry a throat lozenge on a spoon while racing around furniture. When participants returned to the starting line they'd carefully pass the lozenge to the next teammate. This would continue until one team's last person completed the task. Staff who managed to avoid a fumble or stumble often helped to lead their team towards victory.
To close out the activities, everyone rolled up their sleeves and used their full weight and muscles in a game of tug of war. The competitive nature of our teammates led to a strong effort by all, with a few rope burns and tumble casualties experienced along the way to both victory and defeat.
Be sure to watch the action of our top two teams as they fight to come the day's victor in the video at the top of this page.
In the end a tiebreaker tug of war match determined that Team 4 reigned supreme over of all the day's activities. The champions- Phillip Brooks, Pam Buck, Cindy Caldwell, Ryan Dunn, Paul Gomez, David Jamieson and Dan Krause - received a congratulatory pin and a #BeUMC sweatshirt. (Though Cindy left wishing for a gold dipped spoon trophy.)
General Secretary Dan Krause closed the gathering time with a heartfelt message and a gift of appreciation.
And speaking of appreciation . . . Thank you to everyone whose work went into creating a fun afternoon.
For staff unable to attend, you were with us in spirit and we look forward to connecting at a future gathering.