Bill Volz The Garden City Community Church sponsored a Progressive Dinner for about 100 members recently. It was a fun night where people go to one local member’s house for hors d’oeuvres, continue on to another home for dinner and then have dessert at the church. Church members found it was a wonderful way to fellowship with friends and meet new people.

The Progressive Dinner was organized by Karen Zalewski and Carolyn Herbst. Carolyn said, “The idea of the Progressive Dinner started over 10 years ago as an off-shoot of a program called, ‘Unwrapping Our Gifts’. In that program, members brainstormed new opportunities for fellowship that would bring the generations together and would help foster deeper relationships with people in the congregation. It’s been a big hit with lots of participation, since all members are involved by bringing an hors d’oeuvre, a salad or a dessert if they’re not hosting.” Karen added, “The dinner provides an opportunity for us to socialize in the comfort of people’s homes and then to meet at the end of the evening for dessert and coffee in our spiritual home.”

Jill Mennicken The following Garden City Community Church members opened their lovely homes for hors d’oeuvres & cocktails: Beth & John Schroeder, Ivette & Clem Olivo (assisted by Suzi & Jesse Henriquez), Jill & Thomas Mennicken, and Scott & Tina Palmer. Afterward, members headed to the following homes for a tasty dinner: Chris & Rev. Jim Adelmann, Donna & Ross Mongiardo, Christine & Alan Hanson, Kris & Frank Harder, Cathie & Brian McCullough, Ivette & Clem Olivo (assisted by Suzie & Jesse Henriquez), Carolyn & Rick Herbst, Anna & Tom Harrington, George & Celia Petersen, Karen & Paul Zalewski, and Maxine & Ken Cunningham. At the church, Holly De Mars, Lesley Graham and Janet Martens were responsible for transforming the Gardner Fellowship Hall into a beautiful place to share the dessert portion of the evening.

Janet Martens & Liz Bonchonsky The Garden City Community Church is located at the corner of Stewart Avenue and Whitehall Boulevard. It is an “Open & Affirming” congregation of the United Church of Christ, so no matter who you are, or where you are on life’s journey all are welcome. On Sundays the GCCC has 8:30 am Communion in the Chapel and 10:30 am worship in the Sanctuary. (Summer Sundays- earlier) The Forum during the school year is held at 9:15am. Church Sunday School is held during the regular service, with babysitting in the Crib Room for children under 2 years old, equipped with silent pagers. Please call 746-1700 or go to www.GardenCityCommunity

Sue Bashian & Brian McCullough Church.org for more information.

Arlene Palmer, Blanche Volz & Paul Zalewski (Photos by Cathie McCullough, Karen Zalewski & Janet Martens)
Progressive Dinner 2010- Karen & Paul Zalewski
Progressive Dinner 2010- Tina & Scott Palmer with Christina Milone
Karen Zalewski & John Schroeder