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Something for everyone: a tea party, tailgate party, and kids’ carnival
By Karen Gleason
The “Family Gatherings,” on June 9, during the Western Territory’s congress included a women’s tea, men’s rally and kids’ carnival in Brookside Park at the Rose Bowl stadium in Pasadena, Calif.
“We don’t do this often enough,” said Commissioner Jolene Hodder, a Western Territory officer serving as associate international secretary for personnel. Women in garden party attire arrived for the “Grace at the Gathering” tea. They chose seats at 250 perfectly appointed tables amidst swings and benches and surrounding a stage where pianist David Dunford and students from the Pioneer School of Music (Tustin, Calif., corps) performed. “Joyful Noise,” the ladies’ chorus from Territorial Headquarters, sang, splitting into small groups and moving throughout the tables.
General Linda Bond brought greetings, sharing humorous hat stories from her past. She donned a green hat and posed for photos with attendees.
The traditional tea fare, included finger sandwiches, scones with clotted cream and lemon curd, fruit tarts and chocolate-covered strawberries. Table hostesses led a devotional time featuring Scripture verses about God’s grace.
Each lady left the event with her own teacup and memories of an elegant affair.
Meanwhile, 2,000-plus men met for a tailgate party. Upon arriving, they received a Men’s Rally baseball cap that served as their meal ticket.
The rally began with the posting of the colors by the Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA) Color Guard, followed by two musical numbers from the OCFA Pipes and Drums Band. The Territorial Staff Band played, and the Pasadena Police and Fire departments displayed their vehicles and equipment.
After event Chairman Warren C. Johnson, O.F. (Order of the Founder), welcomed guests, Territorial Commander Commissioner James Knaggs presented awards to 11 Heroes of the Faith—one from each division (including an ARC) and one from Crestmont—recognizing faithful and dedicated service to The Salvation Army (see New Frontier, vol. 30, no. 10).
Knaggs introduced General Linda Bond, who spoke of the many excellent men of God who helped shape her life.
Guest speaker, former Cleveland Browns football player Oscar Roan, shared his story, challenging listeners to overcome obstacles and reach for their dreams by taking hold of God’s promises.
National Commander Commissioner William Roberts prayed over the barbecue lunch.
“As a young adult, I was glad to be part of a men’s rally—not a boy’s or a guy’s rally,” said Mathijs Arens. “This was an opportunity for my spiritual life to meet who I am as a male adult.”
The children possibly had the most fun of all! The younger ones, ages 0-5, attended an indoor carnival at the Pasadena Convention Center, with a variety of games and activities, face painting, balloon animals and a juggling show.
The older kids, ages 6-13, had an outdoor carnival at Brookside Park, whith jump houses, climbing walls, water wars, bungee trampolines and a BMX show. They enjoyed traditional carnival treats including snow cones and popcorn.
