Paradise Falls Lutheran Association
Community Events
Year after year, members return to PFLA partly for the deep sense of community fostered over the decades. Members volunteer their time, energy and talents in innumerable ways: as members of the board, stewards of the land, leaders in worship and song, planners of events and activities, and so much more. Here’s a look at some recent goings-on—all planned, executed and enjoyed by members of this very special community.
Post Season 2021
As summer transitions into fall, and our season comes to an end, we celebrate our community with the traditional Labor Day church service, hymn sing and candles-on-the lake.
This year, we also enjoyed a post-season concert and picnic at the beach (the new pavilion was put to good use in 2021!) and a Christmas party in Social Hall.
Be sure to visit again as we move into our 100th Anniversary celebration in a few months!
August at PFLA
The new beach pavilion is officially one of our new favorite places. In addition to providing shade and tables for families to share picnics and games, we shared worship services there, experienced a couple of movie nights complete with popcorn and s'mores, and and enjoyed a repeat of the popular pig roast/barbecue.
August saw a range of other events, including the Olympic-themed Field Day, which brought out everyone's inner competitor, with relay races, tug-of-war, court sports and games on the field near the shuffleboard courts.
Mary Shafer, author of the acclaimed book, Devastation on the Delaware, about the massive flood of 1955, presented a program about hurricanes Connie and Diane that wreaked such havoc on this region, to a receptive crowd.
The first day of September brought remnants of another hurricane, Ida, to PF, where it rained for about 20 hours, bringing water levels up and turning the normally peaceful Paradise Creek and Falls into raging waterways. Fortunately, PF sustained little damage and as the sun came out the next day, the water began to recede quickly.
July at PFLA
July got off to a competitive start with all kinds of games and beach fun for everyone. The highlight of the weekend may very well have been the 4th of July duck races!
Saturday morning Arts & Crafts with Mary are a big hit, and we’re all looking forward to her Christmas-themed creations coming this weekend for “Christmas in July.”
Thanks to Liz and Dayle (with an assist from Brenda), many of us enjoyed an authentic Mexican Fiesta feast on July 10, and the Falls were alive! with the sound of music led by the shape-note singers hosted by Nancy and Bill.
Raffle tickets for unique and creative baskets full of — tea, adult beverages, beach toys, and so much more — continue to be a favorite and are raising funds for the 100th Anniversary too. Tickets are drawn every Saturday night, so find Kristy or check out the PFLA Facebook page to get yours today!
The annual bake sale raised more than $100 for the 100th Anniversary Fund and supplied many in the community with dessert or tasty snacks.
Thanks to the hard work of many, our new sports courts were installed and open for play...tennis, pickle ball, badminton, basketball, and shuffleboard...all ready for competition.
Wellness Weekend 2021
Wellness Weekend 2021 was held during the first weekend in June — to rave reviews.
Twenty-five participants enjoyed a weekend of yoga, tai chi, meditations, hikes, mandala art, campfires and community. They created their own lavender body scrub and, if they chose, booked a massage with a massage therapist. All of their (delicious) meals were catered.
Mark your calendar for next year’s Wellness Weekend — June 10-12, 2022!
2021 CROP Walk
Mary organized the 2021 CROP Walk for Hunger that took place on Sunday of Wellness Weekend.
Thank you to the 16 walkers and three dogs who came out to walk in support. Also, thanks to all who donated; the donation link is open all year if you missed the chance earlier. Find Mary on our Facebook page for information.
Pre-Season Prep:
Tea Room
During this year's Clean-up Day, the Center was spruced up, with new flowers planted and beds mulched; the Lounge screening was replaced, and its porch was sanded and painted; and the pastor’s apartment was cleaned. Lots of painting, cleaning and organizing was done in the Tea Room, and general cleaning up along the highway was also done.
Pre-Season - Beach!
Also during Clean-up Day, crews spent lots of time at the beach where they assembled and stained picnic tables for the new pavilion; stained the lifeguard stand and docks; cleaned out the shed, painted it and filled it with new community beach chairs; mulched and planted the new pavilion garden area; hung hammocks; stenciled PF boats and racks and generally spruced up the whole area.
Community boat racks and boats have been tagged with the new PFLA decal, designed by Mary. They provide the answer to that age-old question: “What boats can we use?” Thanks, Mary! (And remember, safety first! Life vests are in the shed for all to use.)
Annual Garlic Pull
The annual garlic mustard pull, organized by Pete, was a great success with dozens turning out to pull up this invasive weed.
Do your part all summer long.
See it? Pull it!