Annual pioneer dinner

We had the privilege of hosting the annual dinner for those in full-time service ('pioneers') after their annual meeting a few weeks ago.  Since I recently had to go off the list, I was excited to have a part!  It was us and the Eisenhauers that hosted, and we emptied out our living room, moved in our dining room table and a card table and the Eisenhauer's 10-person fold-down table, and we all fit fine!  And Loren and Attie Eisenhauer were excellent servers!

As they came in, we put a name of a Bible character on their backs - then they had to guess who it was, and the name corresponded to their seating arrangement!  

We also had a game where everyone had a little tiny gift-bag, and they also got a sheet of paper with a list of positive qualities. They were given scissors to cut up the qualities and drop them into the bag of someone that exemplifies that quality!  It was so fun to share, and to see what people see in each of us!

We had some appetizers, then lasagna, salad and garlic bread, and tres-leches cake.  We served red wine for those that wanted it, as well as soft drinks and coffee.  It felt so elegant and fun!  

Attie is an able server, and Shawn poured the wine.

 After dinner we spent some time sharing some of our history or experiences serving Jehovah.

Julene led us in sharing some experiences, and Shawn shows
how tired all of us hosts were!  

Andy and Natalie Perez shared a gift with each of us... a little bag with a 'pioneer survival kit' and little goodies:

Here's what it said: 

• Candle - to shine the light of truth upon others. Acts 13:47
• Rubber band - to be flexible with your brothers. Eccl 7:16
• Puzzle piece - to remember you're an essential part of the congregation. 1 Cor 12:19-26
• Lifesaver - to pray every day. Communication between you and Jehovah will be your lifesaver. 1 Thes 5:17
• Smiley face - to smile! Smiling is contagious.  Job 29:24
• Paper clip - to hold it all together through trials. 1 Peter 1:6-9
• Battery - to keep going and going even when you get tired or down. Phil 2:13
• Eraser - Jehovah forgives our sins; we must do the same for others. Col 3:13
• Jewel - to remember you are as valuable as a precious stone in Jehovah's eyes. Matt 10:29-31
• Toothpick - to pick out the good in others. Eph 5:1
• Confetti - to celebrate the good times.  Deut 12:7
• Nail - to remember Jehovah gave His most precious possession at great cost to Himself... for YOU. John 3:16

 Thanks, Andy and Natalie!

It was utterly delightful and such a joy to have literally everyone in our congregation to dinner!  Everyone was either in full-time service, or family of one, or a host!  So it was truly a congregation event, and we had such a great time!