By Patricia Burkhardt
THURSDAY LUNCH BUNCH celebrated its Ninth Anniversary Christmas-themed "HOLIDAY DELIGHT" on December 15, 2022, with fun and fellowship plus a fantastic celebration! This was a special event with lots of holiday atmosphere—each table with a different Christmas theme and a delicious meal and dessert. About 216 folks gathered for this annual event with an ambiance of Christian fellowship, where love and caring abound here at AHUMC.
Connie Perry, the Volunteer Extraordinaire, recruited volunteers to decorate 25 tables, with each table having a different Christmas theme such as: "Jesus Is The Reason," "It's Going To Be a Frosty Christmas," "Believe in the Magic," "Snoopy and Charlie Brown Christmas," "Joy to the World," "Dashing Through the Snow," "Candy Cane Lane," "The Holly and The Ivy," "Poinsettia-Star of Holy Night," "O, Christmas Tree," "Silver Sparkles and Gold," "The Nutcracker Sweet," "Angelic Delight," "A Poinsettia Christmas," "Love Was Born on Christmas," "Twelve Days of Christmas," "Windmill Christmas Story Warmth," "Oh DEER, Christmas Is Here!," "Joyeux Noel," and "HOLY Jolly Christmas." And for all our wonderful guests, many different and unique favors aligned with the table's theme.
Rev. Donna Strieb, the staff coordinator for Thursday Lunch Bunch, greeted many of the guests. After the singing of Christmas carols, accompanied by Mary Lou Russell on the piano and David Reed leading the singing, Donna introduced our Senior Pastor Jason Adams who gave greetings to all attendees. Donna also introduced Rev. Greg Hackett, our United Methodist District Superintendent of the Las Misiones District. He briefly mentioned his ministry and work. Finally, Donna gave a beautiful prayer and blessing of the meal.
Special groups joining the celebration:
- Bible class members led by Rev. Donna Streib.
- Kum Dublers (a former Sunday school class).
- United Methodist Retired Pastors and spouses who meet monthly in the Parlor.
- Reaching Maximum Independence (RMI), an adult group of 22 folks with special needs who are faithful in stacking the chairs and folding the tables each week along with supervisors Angie and Tim. This group is a tremendous and appreciated help to the Lunch Bunch clean-up crew!
- Alamo Heights High School Students with special needs who help the church staff with different jobs each week throughout the school year. Ms. Mary Martinez is the teacher.
- AHUMC Alzheimer Support Group meet with their care receivers on Thursday mornings. Afterward, they attend Lunch Bunch. Jim Beach is the facilitator for this group.
- AHUMC Staff: Jason Adams, Robert Ortiz, Ryan Jacobson, Janet Weatherston, Kacey Brewer, Valerie Slade, Leah Jayne, Nona Schwab, Laura Peel, Gina Beal, Sarah Smith, Cristian Ortiz, and Clara Schweninger. We appreciate and are so grateful for their time and effort in supporting TLB in various ways throughout the year!
Close to 30 Ministry Partners/volunteers help plan, prepare, cook, serve, clean up, decorate, register guests, and dispense meal tickets every Thursday. Our team of cooks are the best and are led by Tim Guillen and Bill Napper, along with Louise Cates, Paula Smisek, Cathy Lively, Paula Rast, Laura Kuivenhoven, Jan Harvey, and Katherine McPherson. In addition, Donna Murphy helped with serving rolls.
Our Kitchen Manager is Colin Bryant. Our faithful custodians are Gabriel, Rick, Parish, Sonya, and Enrique. They make each Thursday special as well as successful.
The Christian Life Center and Parlor became a beautiful Christmas wonderland with many clever and artistic tablescapes! Those Ministry Partners participating: Elyse Allen, Diana Byers, Lynne Breuer, Patricia Burkhardt, Louise Cates, Genie Clayton, Doran Dennis, Donna Devoll, Jean Graham, Pat Hardy, Cathy Lively, Katherine McPherson, Donna Murphy, Bill Napper, Connie Perry, Paula Rast, Jan Ross, Jonnie Stefano, Paula Smisek, Wanda Stewart, Donna Strieb, and Nelzane White.
Thanks to all who participated in this beautiful Christmas celebration!
"By Love, Serve One Another" Galatians 5:13
YOU ARE INVITED to stop by for lunch in the Christian Life Center. We are here every Thursday during the school year. The gathering begins around 11:30 a.m. Our program with singing begins at 11:45 a.m. Food is served at noon. Great meals for $6.00, which include a delicious dessert, coffee, and tea! To-Go meals are available and can be picked up starting at 12:30 p.m.
To make a reservation for Lunch Bunch, please call Leah Jayne at 210-826-3215 ext. 111.
This spring, we will celebrate extraordinary events such as Valentine's Day, Texas Independence, St. Patrick's Day, Easter, Fiesta, the Spurs, and the Military! All are welcome.
