The Mariners
This group is open to all singles, couples, or families, and no one is too young or too old to participate. Our three-pronged mission is to raise funds, have fun, and do good works. With that mission in mind, a number of activities were held during the last year.
In March a soup supper serving ham and beans anc chili was served to about 75 people, with 40-50 members working or providing desserts for the event.
In June, a food booth was operated at the Snake Alley Art Fair, Again, many people in our congregation helped and provided homemade desserts for the event.
In June a food booth was operated at the Snake Alley Art Fair. Again, many people in our congregation helped and provided homemade desserts. A cook-out was also held in June at the Murphy's.
In July, a sub-group of the Mariners, Cruising for Christ (C4C) was formed. This group has and will continue to ride motorcycles, or take special or regular vehicles to area restaurants and events for a fellowship outing several times a year. The inaugural event for the C4C group was on Sunday, September 25, and was a ride to Nauvoo with lunch at the Hotel Nauvoo. Hazel rode in Bill's 2-seater classic car and led the way for the long line of motorcycles and cars winding down the road. A drawing was held for a sidecar ride to the event. Marily won, but touring the Memorial Auditorium parking lot in the sidecar was enough for her and she rode in a car instead!
Another soup supper featuring potato soup by Jack N. and ham and bean soup by Nancy L. was held on Saturday, October 22. Everyone again cam through with fantastic desserts, and nearly 50 people helped in some way, shape or form with the soup supper. This time over 100 people were served! On Saturday, November 5, a progressive hayrack ride was held. With 760 people in attendance, the ride began at the home of Bill & Sue with pumpkin painting/decorating, paddle boating and cookies and beverages. Everyone climbed onto he two hayracks, and proceeded to the home of Deb & Randy. There is even a rumor that the paparazzi (in the form of Murphys and Rex) were following the hayracks! At Deb & Randy's Kompound, there were s'mores over a fire and a pumpkin hunt for all ages. Once again, the hayracks were loaded, and proceeded o the home of Tom and Cindy where folks were greeeted with a bonfire, hot dogs, and a roaster of chili. As the day wound to a close, the hay racks were once again loaded, and people returned to Bill & Sue's home to retrieve their vehicles. Attendees anged from toddlers to great-grandparents, and all had a great time. Pictures
Several C4C/Mariners memebers worked very hard to prepare a float for the Burlington Holiday parade held the Friday after Thanksgiving. Although the weather precluded participation by our group this year, the float will be available for 2012!
On December 30, C4C trekked to Peoria to have dinner at Joe's Crab Shack and view the East Peoria Festival of Lights.
Planning continues for activities to be held in 2012, including more C4C outings, an evening of card games, a Junk-In-The-Trunk sale fundraiser held in conjunction with the Burlington Bluegrass Festival, helping Congregational Life with the annual golf outing, the Snake Alley Art Fair Food Booth, and more!