Holiday luncheon hosted at Laurelville
Posted by Brian Paff on Fri, Dec 16, 2011
MOUNT PLEASANT, PA (December 15, 2011)—Laurelville Mennonite Church Center hosted a special holiday luncheon for neighbors, volunteers and others affiliated with the camp and conference center on Saturday, December 10.
Over seventy-five people attended the event, which featured a buffet luncheon with homemade desserts and treats. Guests also enjoyed live Christmas music performed by Maria Paff, a part-time staff member who lives on grounds at Laurelville.
“I was energized by the time we spent with our neighbors,” said Laurelville executive director John Denlinger. “I believe there is a fundamental need for people to be in relationship with one another; by hosting events like this, we can provide both time and a space for our neighbors to get to know and appreciate each other.”
This marks the third year Laurelville has invited neighbors to a community meal; the previous two luncheons took place prior to Thanksgiving, but a busy November schedule at Laurelville bumped this year’s event into the second weekend of December.
Denlinger was pleased with timing of this year’s luncheon. “Christmas is a time when people are more open to giving, sharing and being with one another, so hosting our luncheon in December was a natural fit,” he noted. “There was a festive spirit
Laurelville is open year-round to day-use visitors, and it is becoming an increasingly popular venue among local residents for birthday parties, weddings and other special events. During the summer, local residents can use the swimming pool $2.50 per person; individual and family passes are also available for purchase.
Local families are also beginning to choose Laurelville for summer camp in greater numbers. Last year, the Mt. Pleasant Ministerium and Mt. Pleasant Rotary Club even teamed to provide scholarship assistance to help several local youth attend summer camp at Laurelville.
“Laurelville is becoming a special place in the life of our local community,” Denlinger said. “Our mission and ministry is centered around offering Christ-like hospitality, so it’s only natural that we seek to extend across Jacobs Creek and into our community.”
###
No. 72