COFFEE HOUR
Fellowship is one of the cornerstones of how we come together to build relationships to then enter into service together. Following each of our Sunday worship services we continue the celebration with an informal gathering to share coffee and ‘a little bit of something’. Members of the parish volunteer on a rotating basis to serve as the hosts for coffee hour. The hosts make coffee and tea and set up with paper products, all of which are provided. The tables and chairs are already set up. There is a sign-up list for other members to bring fruit, bagels, and juice. The hosts then set everything out and serve as the hosts following the service. Everyone pitches in as the hosts clean-up following the fellowship. Coffee Hour is primarily to provide an opportunity for people to share conversation and a cup of coffee. You do not need to be a gourmet cook – you just need about a half hour before and after coffee hour and a willingness to share fellowship and a smile. Coffee hour is a perfect way to do something meaningful with a friend or with your family. Please consider taking a turn – it’s really easy to do and clear directions are posted in the kitchen!
KICK-OFF SUNDAY and MINI-CARNIVAL
On the Sunday following the beginning of school we launch our new program year and the beginning of Sunday School in grand fashion with a celebration service followed by a good old-fashioned church picnic and carnival for the kids. In addition to great food and fellowship we have a giant inflatable for the kids and a visit from Outragehiss Pets who arrive with all manner of fascinating and captivating creatures for up close encounters. We also have a variety of face-painting and traditional picnic games like sack races and pie eating contests. It’s a wonderful afternoon and gives us all an opportunity to share stories of summer adventures and enjoy our parish family. So bring a dish to share and join the fun!
NEWCOMERS BRUNCH
Twice a year we hold a Sunday brunch to welcome new members to St. Alban’s. After sharing a meal together we have a brief question and answer session to further acquaint new members with the many opportunities for worship, service and fellowship that are available at St. Alban’s. We look forward to these gatherings which give us all an opportunity to get to know each other in a smaller setting.
OKTOBERFEST
Oktoberfest is held on the third Saturday of October and is a favorite event of young and not so young alike. This tradition was begun by the Murray and Weiss families who have carried it on for years. The main dishes of sauerbraten and wonderful sausages are provided and everyone pitches in preparing side dishes of sauerkraut, apple sauce, potato pancakes and all the desserts. It is a great evening with lots of fun and fellowship had by all. A free will offering basket is available at the door. It is a BYOB event and many members invite their friends to fill a table. So mark your calendar and dig out your lederhosen!
PARISH THANKSGIVING
At about 3AM on the Sunday before Thanksgiving the rector can been seen making her way over to the church ovens to start about 80 lbs of turkey birds on their way to a parish Thanksgiving feast! Reverend Kathryn provides the turkey and the rest of the parish brings the trimmings and by the time the 10AM service is complete the smells are a sure sign that the turkeys are ready! We gather in the parish hall, with our longest-time members as heads at our tables, and we give thanks to God for the blessings of our family of faith as we share a traditional Thanksgiving feast. Be sure to join us as there is always room at the table for more!
PANCAKE SUPPER
On Shrove Tuesday, the night before Ash Wednesday, it is the tradition of the Christian community to eat up all the ‘fat’ in the house and have a last celebration to prepare for the entering of the solemn days of Lent. Shrove Tuesday, also celebrated as Mardi Gras, is how it is done. At St. Alban’s we have a pancake supper, cooked and served by the youth group and children of the parish. In addition to a delicious supper we have games including pancake races. A small free will donation supports the youth group activities.
EASTER EGG HUNT
With hats and new shoes all around the children and youth of the parish anticipate with great excitement the annual Easter Egg Hunt which is held following the main service on Easter Day. Plastic eggs are filled with candies and little tokens to delight the children who find them where they are hidden in our enclosed park-like playground. Areas are divided by age to allow for maximum success of all ages! Be sure to bring your basket and join the hunt. But don’t delay or blink because you could miss the whole thing!
MOTHER’S AND OTHERS BRUNCH
The best brunch around on Mother’s Day is served right here at St. Alban’s! Under the direction of John Murphy, the men and boys of the parish cook and serve a veritable feast to all the women and girls of the parish. Tables are set and eggs are cooked to perfection as the men take this opportunity to show their love and thanks for the women. This is a not-to-be-missed tradition where all are welcome to serve or be served!
FATHER’S DAY BARBEQUE
On Father’s Day the women and girls take their turn providing a tasty meal for the men and boys of the parish. Usually held in conjunction with our end of the school year picnic, the Father’s Day Barbeque is an outdoor event where good smells fill the air and meat fills the grill (vegetarian selections are also available!) There are games for the kids while the women ‘man’ the grills and serve up a feast to celebrate the men and kick-off the summer barbeque season. It’s a great day with fun for all.
ICE CREAM SOCIALS
Twice during the course of the summer our rector and her son invite everyone to join them on the deck of the rectory for a good old-fashioned ice cream social. Plenty of goodies are available to go over and under the ice cream and there are always great times to go all around. The kids usually strike up a game of Manhunt (hide-and-seek in the dark) that uses every bit our ten acre church property to make them the events of the summer. Check the parish calendar and Albanac for dates.
St. Alban's Episcopal Church 