Gathering once again

The United Methodist Communications staff gathered for a group shot at the agency picnic. (Photo by Aaron Crisler.)
The United Methodist Communications staff gathered for a group shot at the agency picnic. (Photo by Aaron Crisler.)
Helen Allen and Dan Krause spoke to the staff during the United Methodist Communications picnic. (Photo by Aaron Crisler.)
Helen Allen and Dan Krause spoke to the staff during the United Methodist Communications picnic. (Photo by Aaron Crisler.)
Joe Iovino and Jennifer Rodia took advantage of the festive balloon displays to grab a photo together at the UMCom picnic. (Photo provided by Jennifer Rodia.)
Joe Iovino and Jennifer Rodia took advantage of the festive balloon displays to grab a photo together at the UMCom picnic. (Photo provided by Jennifer Rodia.)
Debra Jemison shows off a couple of the yummy flavors offered by Rolled 4 Ever Ice Cream. (Photo by Aaron Crisler.)
Debra Jemison shows off a couple of the yummy flavors offered by Rolled 4 Ever Ice Cream. (Photo by Aaron Crisler.)
Local Church Services team members Melanie Mays, Craig Catlett and Steven Adair enjoyed the outdoors together. (Photo by Aaron Crisler.)
Local Church Services team members Melanie Mays, Craig Catlett and Steven Adair enjoyed the outdoors together. (Photo by Aaron Crisler.)
Laura Buchanan,  Diane Degnan, Christy Losee and Brenda Smotherman caught up while cooling down inside following lunch at the picnic. (Photo by Aaron Crisler.)
Laura Buchanan, Diane Degnan, Christy Losee and Brenda Smotherman caught up while cooling down inside following lunch at the picnic. (Photo by Aaron Crisler.)
During the event, tuna and chicken salad kits, Gatorade, Powerade, water and sunscreen were collected to assist homeless communities during the summer heat. (Photo by Brenda Smotherman.)
During the event, tuna and chicken salad kits, Gatorade, Powerade, water and sunscreen were collected to assist homeless communities during the summer heat. (Photo by Brenda Smotherman.)
A number of staff gathered inside to eat lunch and chat while escaping the heat of the day. (Photo by Brenda Smotherman.)
A number of staff gathered inside to eat lunch and chat while escaping the heat of the day. (Photo by Brenda Smotherman.)
Staff hang outside and lined up to select their ice cream treat of choice. (Photos by Aaron Crisler.)
Staff hang outside and lined up to select their ice cream treat of choice. (Photos by Aaron Crisler.)
A portion of the Marketing Team reconnected over tasty boxed lunches in advance of the picnic.  (Photo taken by Stacey Hagewood.)
A portion of the Marketing Team reconnected over tasty boxed lunches in advance of the picnic. (Photo taken by Stacey Hagewood.)
Staff from the content, production and training teams met at Jennifer Rodia's home to reconnect prior to the picnic. (Photo courtesy of Jennifer Rodia.)
Staff from the content, production and training teams met at Jennifer Rodia's home to reconnect prior to the picnic. (Photo courtesy of Jennifer Rodia.)

After more than a year apart, it was a joy to get together as a collective staff again at the agency's picnic.

It was a great time filled with conversations, food and fellowship. For some, it was also the first time meeting their co-workers in person. What a fun way to celebrate National Picnic Month and National Ice Cream Month!

A big thank you to all involved with the planning of the event. Thanks also to everyone who brought donations as a part of National Give Something Away Day to assist those at Open Table Nashville and Glencliff UMC.

Enjoy this slideshow of photos from the picnic and other recent team gatherings.  

United Methodist Communications is an agency of The United Methodist Church

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