Forest Grove UMC's Family Fiesta was a wonderful time for families of all shapes and size to gather for a delicious meal, games, craft, service and campfire. Around 50 folks came each of the three evenings, with around 75 people total attending at least once.
As we gathered, older folks and youngsters sat together to fold paper flowers, paint with watercolors and braid friendship bracelets, then we all moved into the sanctuary for silly icebreakers that were successful in getting folks talking to one another. An invitation was extended before dinner for people to sit by someone they didn't yet know well and questions on the tables encouraged conversation. The FGUMC youth group did most of the cooking and boy did we eat well! After dinner on the first and third day, teams went out into the neighborhood to ask for, and then collect, food for the two food pantries in Cornelius and Forest Grove that our UMCs support. Each evening closed with a campfire time on the church lawn when several of our talented guitarists led us in song and a scripture reading and silly skit guided Eric in sharing the message for that evening. As we closed on the final day, one youngster asked me, "So are we coming back tomorrow?" Sadly, we wouldn't be, but I gave thanks that the experience had been a great one for him. I think it was for all of us!
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