Summit, IL faithful welcome neighbors at community picnic, block party
SUMMIT, IL [MW Diocese Communications] — On Saturday August 27, 2016, the faithful of Saint Panteleimon Church here held their Second Annual Community Picnic and their first-ever Block Party.
“The purpose of the picnic is an outreach tool to the community to share the love of Jesus Christ and to welcome them to the Church,” said Priest Andrew Bartek, Rector. “Approximately 100 people from the parish, the neighborhood and near-by communities joined in the afternoon of fun, games, food and fellowship.”
With the encouragement of Summit Mayor Sergio Rodriguez, the date for the picnic — which was expanded into a block party — was moved from a Sunday to a Saturday afternoon.
“Last year’s the picnic drew about 14 community members,” said Father Andrew. “Throughout the afternoon young and old alike enjoyed free games, a Slip’N Slide, face painting and a dunking booth. Various kinds of music filled the neighborhood air with a party atmosphere. And Russian dancers from Holy Virgin Protection ROCOR Cathedral in Des Plaines performed to the delight of neighbors and guests.”
The Summit Fire Department, for which Father Andrew serves as chaplain, brought out a couple of their trucks, and the children were excited to get an inside look. get a seat inside one of the trucks.
“Tours of the church also were given, while the representatives of Chicago’s Orthodox Christian Coalition for Healthy Youth passed out fliers in Spanish for our predominately Spanish-speaking neighbors,” Father Andrew added. “Already, our parishioners are excited about next year’s picnic, offering many suggestions to enhance the experience.”
