|
March 12, 2006
Sterling
Service Tea Ministry
by Doris Ray
Photos by
Fawn Clark
 Wow!
What a wonderful way to spend a Saturday afternoon! On March 4,
the Women’s Ministry of OCC held its first Sterling Service
Tea, a Tea Ministry for women whose life, or that of a family
member or friend, has been touched in some way by cancer.
Ten months ago, our Women’s Ministry Team determined to
begin this new ministry at OCC, fashioned after one initiated
by Trudy Wheeler at Christ Church United Methodist. Women  were
enlisted to work in all needed areas: administrative, invitation,
favor design, recipes, menus, cooks, speaker search, room set-up,
servers and cleanup. Inventories were taken, china collected and
names were presented to the “contact” people. This
set in motion the mailing of invitations.
On the day of the Tea, everyone registered and affixed nametags
upon arriving. Then the ladies entered the Fellowship Hall, where
they were greeted by smiling gracious tea servers using beautiful
teapots. White damask  cloths
on the tables were set with matching napkins, china plates, sugars,
creamers, silverware and individual favors. Menus were decorated
with colorful spring hats, the theme of the day.
Participants casually drank their first cup of tea, and soon three-tiered
plates full of tasty tea time goodies were brought in. The treats
included cheese dainties, sausage biscuit bites, bacon wrapped
cocktail bits and tuna-apple finger sandwiches. Dessert included
cookies, mini-cheesecakes and raspberry sorbet. Background music
played throughout the afternoon.
Ample time was allotted for eating and fellowship before a talented
representative from Dee’s Crafts, Earline Plance, began
demonstrating various ways to decorate hats with wire-edged ribbon,
feathers, tulle, flowers and even jewelry. Several of those awesome
hats were given as door prizes along with nine other  gifts.
This was meant to be an enjoyable afternoon away from all cares
and it certainly was.
Many people were involved and appreciated the efforts. The result
truly proved all are “Better Together”!
 Sterling
Service Tea ministry is an opportunity for many women to get involved
and share their spiritual gifts. We need a variety of gifts and
skills to help in this outreach ministry to women who have been
affected by cancer. Some areas of involvement include: recipe
researchers, cooks, servers, set up, clean up. Did you enjoy our
December tea? Are you still looking for your niche in serving
or participation in Women’s Ministry? Have you been impacted
by serious illness in your family or your circle of friends?
For more information about the Women’s Ministry or service
in this area, please contact Debbie Riggs at debbie.riggs@okolonacc.org
or (502)962-6500. This is a community outreach need that the OCC
Women’s Ministry feels called to support.
List
of Other Looking Back Articles |
