Free Descriptive Essays: The Church Picnic

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The Church Picnic

On Sunday August 22nd, the Delta Church of Religious Science had its first annual picnic. It was a gorgeous day at Contra Loma Reservoir in Antioch. The breeze gently ruffled the leaves as the branches of the shade trees swayed over the picnic tables. Although the mercury soared to 95 degrees, the heat was not oppressive. The Delta Church, having only formed last October, is relatively small with only seventeen members. Considering that, the turnout of thirty people for the picnic was outstanding. The picnic lasted four hours as conversations lingered, food was devoured and games were played. Throughout the day the sound of laughter echoed in the breeze as families and friends spent quality time together.

Contra Loma Park has an excellent set-up for groups. Instead of a traditional tableside small grill, the group picnic area has an extra-large BBQ centrally located among several tables. Everyone prepared his or her meal simultaneously on the grill. Church members were notified at Sunday services to "bring your own meat to BBQ". Thanks to Bill Cecil and his advance preparation, the BBQ coals were ashen and hot when everyone arrived. The food as it cooked on the grill filled the air with a variety of pleasing smells. There were hot dogs, hamburgers, sausages, chicken and mouth watering ribs.

In addition to the main course, everyone brought at least one potluck dish. The table was filled with appetizers, side dishes and desserts. Betsy and Reggie brought a homemade cheese ball that was half gone before some Church members could even make it over to that side of the table. Sunday school teacher Lonnie contributed her favorite recipe, a seven-layer Mexican dip served with homemade tortilla chips. And that was just the appetizers! Mary Anne's deviled eggs saw many a second helping, as did Faye's potato salad. There was a terrific tasting green vegetable salad that included tomatoes fresh from Reverend Kay's home garden. Patti's crock-pot full of BBQ beans hit the spot with its thick molasses sauce.

But the desserts really took center stage; Carol and Tim brought their ice cream making machine. The goal was to make ice cream; the fun was the team effort it took to produce the ice cream. Homemade ice cream requires a lot of hand cranking. Several of the attendees took their turn at the crank. A few of them boasted that the sore arm muscles they had entitled them to first servings.

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