Priscilla Circle luncheon helps ease loneliness

Sheila and Vern Ryker perform at the PLAN luncheon. Photo by Pat Van Dyke

Priscilla Circle welcomed approximately 120 guests for a free luncheon and entertainment on June 22. Priscilla Circle is one of six circles at Canyon Lake Community Church.

The main ministry of Priscilla Circle is PLAN (People Living Alone Now) outreach. Three times a year, Priscilla ladies plan and provide a free luncheon for approximately 100 people, who may or may not be members of the church. All are welcome.

The Circle believes that by easing the loneliness of those who are elderly, have lost a spouse or caregiver, or who need a healthy meal with a yummy dessert, that it is doing the work they are called to do as followers of Jesus Christ.

This luncheon included a special tribute for nine Priscilla members who passed away. Priscilla Colwell, Linda Chapman, Ann Custer, Yvonne Mckenzie, Dorothy Thomas, Marilyn Lippert, Louise Messer, Belinda MacGregor and Doris Shilts were remembered fondly by Priscilla members and guests. Sharon Crow and Lori Marzolf, the daughters of Marilyn Lippert and Louise Messer respectively, are Priscilla members. Dorothy Thomas’ daughter Jill Miller also was present.

Mary LeGrice and Shirley Webster prepared the food. Each table was hosted by a Priscilla member. The table door prizes were wrapped and decorated by Lori Marzolf. “They were truly works of art,” said member Nancy Horton. The prizes and all expenses of the luncheon are donated by members of Priscilla Circle.

The entertainment was provided by Sheila and Vern Ryker. Sheila, a trained concert pianist, played five pieces, two of which were her own compositions. She was accompanied on trombone by Vern, also an experienced musician in many Christian orchestras. Vern had been unable to play with Sheila for some time due to hearing loss. With a recent medical procedure and with the help of a Bluetooth mechanism, Vern can now hear the piano accompaniment again. “Their music together was made even more beautiful by narration that helped interpret the music,” said Nancy. “The audience felt very blessed by this amazing performance.”

Another special moment was the singing of “It Took a Miracle.” This song was sung at the wedding of Alice and Jack Gray, and led by Mollee Dick, wife of Pastor Dave Dick, and Angie Atwood, daughter of Alice and Jack.

Alice Gray has presided over Priscilla Circle for the past 10 years. This was her last luncheon, as she has decided to retire as president of Priscilla Circle. Lynda Ofstad is the new president. Alice was presented with a music box engraved with thanks for her extraordinary leadership.  Alice’s family was present for the tribute to Alice, including daughters Rebecca Watson and Angie Atwood, daughters-in-law Wanda Gray and Gabi Gray, and granddaughter Sophia Gray. Alice’s philosophy on friendship has driven much of the success of Priscilla Circle: meet a new person, hug a shy friend, or just exchange a smile.

The activities of Pricilla Circle, to love and support the lonely, do not end with the PLAN luncheons. The group has divided up more than 200 contacts among the members in teams of two or more women. In addition to hosting PLAN luncheons, the ladies send cards cards for birthdays, Christmas, Thanksgiving and other occasions.

Priscilla Circle meets on the first Wednesday of the month at 9:30 a.m. in the Family Activities Building at Canyon Lake Community Church for fellowship, friendship and outreach.

For more information, contact Lynda Ofstad at 951-244-7866.