reflection: 2018 Men Of Saint John’s Steak Dinner

On Saturday, October 13, the Steak dinner fundraiser was enjoyed by over 100 members of the congregation. Teamwork carried the day and I was so proud of the outstanding effort put forth by 10 men of Saint John’s. Mark Jordan worked tirelessly with ticket sales before and at the event.  Mike Gollihur supervised set-up, cooked mushrooms for those steaks and organized the drink table.  David Dennehy was everywhere helping out with the set-up, etc., etc.  Bernie Duignan brought supplies for and helped with the drink table.  Jamie Attaway, Mike Morris and Jonathan Fry brought grills and prepped for burning (searing) the rib eyes... They were great.  Gregg King and Jim McDevitt were key to the salad bar and the baked potato production...they were truly essential to the success of the night.  Bill Cheney took charge in the washing section and was a human dynamo for three straight hours– he was outstanding.  Dean Peters took over drying everything Bill washed and never missed a beat. Truly, they made it happen and we thank them so very much for stepping up to make the night great.
I would like...next… to shine the spotlight on the Women of Saint John’s and the wonderful dessert table they provided.  As they have done in the past, they provided pies, not only paying for them but serving them with ice cream...a big thank you to the WOSJ and Florence Cooper and Marcia Morris for supporting this fundraising event this year and every year...the men appreciate it so much.
Many members of the congregation donated some terrific items for the Opportunity Drawing and Diane Gustafson prepared them before she left on vacation, and Gretchen Jordan assisted in setting them out, selling tickets and organizing things.  Barb Oliveira dressed for the event and was, as usual, a key to selling tickets and increasing the fun factor as the drawing was happening.  Thank you to all that contributed in any way. I know the congregation appreciates your efforts.
All of this effort, I am pleased to report, brought in more than three thousand dollars and will go far to help us continue the good works that we are known for in the South Bay.  We are delighted to report that a number of people, not members of the congregation, came to the dinner and enjoyed themselves and I can only surmise they saw the love and appreciation we at Saint John’s share for one another, and they may see a possible home for themselves.
A final thought from the Men of Saint John’s is a resounding and heartfelt Thank You to outgoing President George Dalrymple and Vice President Phil Bajo for their outstanding leadership these many years.  We deeply appreciate their contributions and the time and effort they gave to benefit Saint John’s Episcopal Church.  I am honored to have been selected to be president of the MOSJ and with vice president Mark Jordan, we look forward to seeing many new faces in our important ministry.
Please, consider joining us at Mark’s house for the big party of the year, and becoming an active member of the club.
-Tim Attaway