Annual Volunteer and Staff Picnic – July 29, 2017
People may not realize just how many hands it takes to keep Mepkin’s grounds so beautiful and keep everything running smoothly. From the first flowers of spring to each wreath at the Crèche Festival in the fall, Mepkin Abbey is blessed with volunteers and staff that love this peaceful place. These folks filled the refectory with smiles and stories this summer at the annual volunteer and staff picnic.
After sharing a delicious meal, Father Stan gave recognition to all the hours that have been invested here at the Abbey. Volunteers from all walks of life gave 15,343 hours of their time, adding to the total of 120,460 hours since records have been kept. Mepkin Abbey also gained 29 new volunteers, and 63 volunteers reached a new level of service hours. Rainy Drew received special and well-deserved recognition for her 20 years of dedication and service as a staff member in the Abbey’s business office. She was given a sweetgrass basket and gift cards as a token of our thanks. Those who gave 1,000 hours of their time were also given recognition, along with a plaque and a gold shirt. Each volunteer and staff member received a gift bag with a t-shirt and a pin. After the ceremony, everyone streamed out onto the beautiful grounds with their families to enjoy the fruits of their labors and fellowship with the brothers. The brothers at Mepkin Abbey realize that the volunteers are a vital part of Mepkin’s community, and are grateful for the many people who give of their time and talents to this special place.
