2005 Synod Assembly

A Fun End to a Busy Day

(Live Update added 7:45 p.m., Friday, May 6, 2005)

Assembly participants enjoy the Friday night picnic. Photo by Pastor Todd Hawkins

Throwing caution to the wind, assembly goers enjoyed a first-ever outdoor picnic. Picnickers clearly enjoyed being outside in the sun given the all-too-recent cold snap.

Feasting on a menu of chicken, ribs, potato salad and other standard picnic fare, people gathered at picnic tables scattered throughout the park adjacent to the Civic Center, overlooking the Zumbro River. Conversation was animated and light as voting members took a break from their diligent assembly work.

Two assembly presenters, Bishop Margaret Payne and the Rev. Dr. Richard Carlson, greatly appreciated the hospitality. “This is nice,” commented Carlson.

It was a fitting end to a day which found attendees grappling with difficult issues. The picnic was not only a welcome respite, but afforded the members an opportunity to model unity in the midst of differences. Some liked chicken, others liked ribs, but all enjoyed the food, conversation, and weather.

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2005 Assembly photo album