Community

We went looking for community this afternoon. Vernonville was our destination. If churches could think, this one was probably wondering what was going on? Dozens of cars were parking between the church and the tiny community centre which used to be a one-room school.

Some folks had built a nice fire beside the community centre and neighbours and friends were standing around it making new acquaintances and renewing old friendships.

Inside the tiny community centre organizers were doing some last minute organizing. There was going to be a chili contest! Their advertising said, "Come out of hibernation! Bring chili warm and ready to serve."

Let's take a look around.

14 pots of chili! 3 in the Junior category, 4 in Vegetarian and 7 in the Meat category. Tickets were handed out for voting. One ticket for each category. Easy.

Lids were taken off and mugs and spoons were picked up and the tasting began.

The hardest part for me was trying to take a tiny bit of chili from each pot. All of those little tastes were going to add up to a big meal.

After the tastings many folks enjoyed their coffees in the warmer weather and around the fire outside.

I think we really did find community. Their sign does not lie.

When the tastings were done, tickets were counted.....

..... mugs were washed and stacked.....

.... and prizes were announced.

There were first, second and third prizes in each category.

Winners were given hugs....

..... and a beautiful hand-crafted wooden box.

We're so glad we were invited to this event. Community happened in Vernonville this afternoon. I bet the church - if churches can think - was pleased.

“What should young people do with their lives today?

Many things, obviously.

But the most daring thing is to create stable communities

in which the terrible disease of loneliness can be cured.”

Kurt Vonnegut