We were sitting around the table at a Living Ministries Power Meeting about a year and a half ago trying to think of ways we could raise money for a project we wanted to undertake and Linda Haarstad said she would host a tea party. Since then we have had 2 Living Ministries Spring Tea Parties and elected her Vice President.
As you walked into Tea Party excellence your eyes were entertained by beautiful floral arrangements and lovely place settings. In the library, where you were coaxed to leave your coat Knotty Wares Yarn and Fiber Art Co-Op had offered up adorable crocheted items for sale, offering proceeds to Living Ministries as their addition to the fundraising effort. The butler’s table was adorned with hand-made 3-tiered trays being filled with delicious treats for our guests.
In both years we were joined by amazing, beautiful women who brought their friends; this year we even had a few little girls. We had several repeat tea partiers and even though some of our guests from last year could not make it this year, they sponsored tickets for other guests. We never considered having an alternative for tea at a tea party, but our first goal is to be a blessing so we look forward to a few menu changes for tea parties to come in honor of younger guests.
The Heron Pointe Clubhouse was filled with delicious fragrances of Earl Gray, Green and Mango tea, delectable soup and fresh made scones. Our guests were so fun to talk to and interact with. During the tea we heard so many compliments and happy sounds as the treats we had made for them were devoured.
“They did a wonderful display of food and tea and the food was delicious.
Thank you ladies.” Ann Marie Stone
I think my favorite part of this year’s tea was Connie Wallace playing her electric violin. I love violin music and I love how she chose to accompany a CD as she wove her beautiful music around it. I was brought to tears.
In the end we fulfilled our mission statement by Building Relationships & Filling Needs in Our Community since we made great friends and filled everyone’s bellies! We are also thankful that some of our administrative costs for the year were covered by the wonderful people who came to our tea.
This tea would never have happened if it were not for our wonderful Living Ministries Team who donated their time, money, cooking abilities and talents to make this event so special.
I would like to give a huge thanks to Linda because she has spent countless hours shopping for decorations and dishes and tea pots. She also made amazing Russian Cream filled white and dark chocolate cups and several other goodies besides the fact that her hand was in every step of this event.
John Hanna helped to set up.
Karen Gidderon helped with set up and tear down. She also served as hostess and greeted our guests with her normal ease and contagious joy.
Debra Lawson-Bean made 2 kinds of divine scones and other sweet treats as well as washed ALL the dishes afterward.
I can’t wait until our 1st Living Ministries Autumn Tea when I will break out my recipes for cucumber sandwiches and pumpkin cake once again!
Tea Parties can be a lot of fun, which makes up for the fact that they are a lot of work. As I looked around at our team, I saw we were smiling for a long time following the tea, despite feeling sore and tired because we had been so blessed by our guests.
Thanks for reading!
Summer D Clemenson
Executive Director
