TEN COMMANDMENTS of SUCCESSFUL POTLUCKS
1. THOU SHALT BRING PLENTY OF FOOD--THAT THY PLATE MAY BE FULL
AND THY BROTHER'S ALSO. All of the food is supplied by the participants.
None is
supplied by the ward. Reason tells us that we must bring not only enough
food to fill our own family's tummies but possibly enough to share with
our friends also. Many thanks to those who are overachievers in this
area. May we follow your good example as our budgets allow. When we see
that those at the end of the line have plenty of choices and lots of
food--we know we are on the road to a potluck victory!
2. THOU SHALT USE THY GOOD MANNERS--BECAUSE IT IS THE RIGHT
THING TO DO. May we all (old & young) practice courtesy and
consideration
with each other.
3. THOU SHALT REMEMBER THE SABBATH DAY AND PUT THE KIBOSH ON
ALL THIS FANCY TABLE CLOTH AND DOING DISHES STUFF. We will adorn and
decorate the cultural hall only with our smiling faces and pleasant
dispositions. We will use disposable dishes and utensils so that
clean-up will be easy and the Sabbath will be honored.
4. THOU SHALT LEAVE THY COMFORT ZONE AND TALK TO SOMEONE YOU
DON'T KNOW--THAT THOU MIGHT HAVE THE JOY OF A NEW FRIEND. One of the
main purposes of this event is to help our ward family get acquainted.
Also, what a great chance to cross the generational boundaries and chat
with someone older or younger than yourself. Mingle. Mix. Smile. Chat.
5. THOU SHALT STAY IN THY THIRD HOUR MEETINGS UNTIL THE FINAL
AMEN--THAT THE SPIRIT MAY ABOUND. Thanks for staying in your seat
until the closing prayer. An early exodus from Relief Society is
distracting and a
dull roar of chit-chat from the kitchen is worse.
6. THOU SHALT BE REVERENT--AND THY FRIENDS SHALL SUPPORT THEE IN
WELL-DOING. Sabbath-appropriate activities and a small snack are
available for all of the young at heart immediately after the block at
the chapel-end of the cultural hall. We will know that you are being
reverent when you choose to STAY IN THE CULTURAL HALL and you reject all
temptations to roam the halls, play in the classrooms, run, buck, jump,
whoop, or holler. (High Priests we are watching you-please control your
urge to buck and whoop.)
7. THOU SHALT EAT ONLY IN THE CULTURAL HALL--FOR IT IS FORBIDDEN TO
WANDER ABOUT WITH FOOD AND IT IS MOST ABOMINABLE TO EAT IN THE
CLASSROOMS, LEST A MESS SHALL FOLLOW THEE AND THE WHOLE BUILDING BE
SMITTEN WITH A CURSE OF CRUMBS AND GUNK. Enough said.
8. THE CHOIR SHALL GO FIRST THAT THEY MAY CONTINUE TO SING
HARMONIOUSLY. Our potluck time conflicts with choir rehearsal. They have
graciously agreed to postpone the start of choir practice until after
they eat. We joyfully invite them to be the first in line at the potluck
in support of their support.
9. THE REST SHALL WAIT WITH PATIENCE AND CHEERFULNESS UNTIL IT
IS THEIR TURN IN LINE. The anticipation will be palpable with our own
version of
"drawing lots". Will your initial come up next so that you may join the
line? An orderly and mannerly line will be the hallmark of a successful
potluck dinner. Note: Young children will have had their snack and can
continue to do the activity until their family's turn in line.
10. MANY SHALL EAT AND MANY SHALL CLEAN UP AFTER THEMSELVES THAT ALL
MIGHT GO HOME REJOICING. Thanks for doing your part to make this
an easy and joyful friend shipping and fellowshipping experience for
all.
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"Choose
you this day
whom ye will
serve
but for me
and my
house we will
serve the Lord "
