Gleanings From
In Christian Fellowship
By Shirley Lindahl
Edited by Jerry Rutherford
Dinner & Doings
In the fall of 1961 it was decided to try something different instead of the traditional bazaar. A holiday Smorgasbord, dinner was to be given a one year trial. Two featured items were pickled herring and homemade pies. (Rudi Becker added the salmon later) This year would have been our 43rd Smorgasbord, but we decided to cancel it this year. Many of us have been members of the church for over 43 years and do not have the time and/or energy for the weeks of organizing, planning and participating for the couple of months it takes to produce this traditional event.When this event was begun it was also decided to make Christmas items for sale. Circles often had work parties to create items to sell. All women of the church were asked to sign up for donation of their time to work and for preparation of food. It has always been the primary fund raiser for the Women's Fellowship budget.
In 1962 a Mother-Daughter banquet featured wedding gowns (many worn by the original owner). Our Lake Washington graduating senior girls were honored at a tea in Fellowship Hall which was cosponsored with the Business & Professional Women's Club.
Dinners were served at church so frequently in the early 60's that it seemed logical to try using dinner lists. All the women of the church were assigned to work on one dinner during the year. Chairmen were elected for the 6-8 dinners and about 15 women assigned as workers. They worked well for several years until more of the functions became potluck dinners.
As the new remodel of the church was under construction the women realized that there might be an increased number of weddings held in the spacious new sanctuary (the one we now use). It was decided to have a wedding consultant who would be paid a small amount to organize the receptions with members of Women's Fellowship still assisting.
When the new building was completed in 1964, board meetings moved into the new lounge instead of homes. Special collections were made for migrant children and for the victims of the Alaska earthquake that had occurred that spring. One Fellowship meeting became a tour of the Good Will Industries which included a visit to their chapel, lunch in their lunchroom and a behind the scenes look at how they handled donated items.
An old trunk was refurbished and placed in the lounge to become a
depository for used clothing. During the 60's items were regularly sent
to Church World Services clothing drives. One special drive was for
children's clothing for an orphanage in Viet Nam where Dick Crowe
was serving. (Ethel's son)
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