On a grassy lawn on the campus of Capital University, a party was happening! Picnic in the Park was an event that allowed friends and colleagues to connect in a lively atmosphere and have fun. Attendees were able to enjoy various types of cuisine from food trucks, games for adults and children, as well as music from a disc jockey. The weather was perfect with the sun beaming from blue skies.

Grace Gerber, a lay person with the West Ohio Conference, said, “It was a beautiful evening for this event. It was a lot of fun and a time of good fellowship.”

Sponsored by the West Ohio Conference Connectional Ministries Team, Picnic in the Park was a first-time event planned as a break between the Business Session and the Laity Session of Annual Conference.

Julie Carter, Director of Faith Formation and Lay Ministry, said, “As the Connectional Ministries Team embarked on a listening tour around the districts this past fall, we heard that people wanted time to gather in fellowship.” Carter continued, “In collaboration with the District Superintendents, the Picnic in the Park was born. And don’t forget the ice cream that was an extra surprise!”

With the announcement of the West Ohio Annual Conference returning to Capital University in 2025, many attendees expressed their desire to see Picnic in the Park return as well.