How do you recover from such an unimaginable, horrible experience?
The Salmon Arm Church of Christ congregation has thought long and hard on that question in the aftermath of the shooting inside their church building that occurred this past April.
鈥淲e decided the answer for us had to be found in focusing on others instead of ourselves,鈥� said Doug Kendig, long time elder of the church.
鈥淭he Salmon Arm community has been remarkable in showing us their support,鈥� he continued. 鈥淚t鈥檚 been hard. Gordon Parmenter, killed in the attack, was one of our strongest leaders, and his loss has created a big hole in our congregation. But this community has been there for us in so many ways, and we want 鈥� well actually, we need 鈥� to express our thanks for being such good neighbors to us when we needed them the most.鈥�
To show its appreciation, the church is hosting a community picnic on Saturday, Aug. 24, 6 to 7:30 p.m. in Blackburn Park, across the street from the church building. The picnic is free and all members of the community are welcome.
Mayor Alan Harrison will make some brief comments on behalf of the community at the picnic, and Paul Derkach, wounded in the shooting, will give an update on how he and the congregation are doing.
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鈥淏ut primarily the picnic is just about neighbors coming together and getting to know each other better,鈥� Kendig said. 鈥淗undreds of people have asked how they can help over the past weeks, and at times it鈥檚 been hard to know what to say. But here鈥檚 what our neighbours can do: come share free hot dogs with us, enjoy a fun evening together, and just let us show you our appreciation for your support. That would mean a lot to us.鈥�
Michael Lewis, senior minister for the Salmon Arm church鈥檚 sister congregation in Coeur d鈥橝lene, Idaho is bringing a group to help organize the picnic so church members may visit with those who attend.
鈥淚 love the community of Salmon Arm and have visited many times always to find friendly, welcoming people. The Salmon Arm church has been blessed by the community鈥檚 support in the aftermath of the shooting,鈥� Lewis said. 鈥淭he first thing the congregation wanted to do was say thanks to the community and this picnic is one effort to just feel normal again as a grateful church.鈥�
He said he hopes community members will allow themselves to be thanked by coming to the picnic.
鈥淚t will be good for everyone.鈥�
There will be free hot dogs, bouncy houses for the kids, free door prizes, a special gospel singing quartet, and several other activities.
鈥淎nyone and everyone is very welcome to attend,鈥� Lewis said. 鈥淓ven if they just stop by for a few minutes, they will be most appreciated.鈥�
marthawickett@saobserver.net
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