Day: July 28, 2016

Staff Blogger: Alexis Oatman, Advancement/Communications Intern

My walk begins at Poplar Avenue and Second Street near Perry Park. The water is calm as the light shines over the park as if angels were peering through the clouds. The sun is hot and beating, but the lake brings in a refreshing breeze over my skin.

Perry Park Playground has been an important gathering place for families and children each summer. Various events and activities take place here, including Wednesday Family Picnics, weddings, family reunions, tennis matches and more.

The Wednesday Night Family Picnic has grown to become one of Lakeside Chautauqua’s most popular summer traditions. The picnic has seen as many as 530 people attend on a single night. The food is picnic fare, but the real draw is the relaxing and tranquil setting combined with the spirit of community and fellowship.

According to Merriam-Webster Dictionary, the definition of the word ‘Promise-Keeping’ is to pledge to do, bring about or provide. It’s a basis of trust. You can’t make a promise about something that you’re not in control of. Keeping our word is essential if you want to be a person of integrity.

Dr. Christine Pohl, Associate Provost and Professor of Christian Ethics and Church Society at Asbury Theological Seminary, has conducted extensive research for more than two decades about the core practices needed for a vibrant community.

She is the author of Living into Community: Cultivating Practices that Sustain Us and will bring her research to Lakeside from August 14-18 to have an open dialogue with members of our community.

A Walk Through Lakeside: Poplar Avenue

Living Into Community: Promise-Keeping