Harvest Weekend at SJNCC
Festivities began Saturday morning with a Mustang Miler Fun Run and a 5K in front of the church, as small children and senior citizens alike were among participants braving the chilly temperatures.
Organizers said 184 — 72 for the 5K and 112 for the Fun Run — signed up. Damon Anderson of Knoxville earned first place for male overall in 5K; while Jennifer Schaefer of Lenoir City won female overall.
In the male division, J. Anderson, 8, won for ages from 1 to 9; Zachary Hay, 13, (10 to 19); Christian Anthony, (20 to 29); Adam Heller, (30 to 39); Brendan McConville (40 to 49); Bryan Martin (50 to 59); Mark MacDonald (60 to 69); and Stephen Cocumelli (70 to 79).
In the female divisions, C. Heller, 8, won for ages from 10 to 19; Aphea Ansink, 16, also won for 10 to 19; as did Deedra Fay Bejarano (40 to 49); Christie Hubbard (50 to 59); Jean Miller (60 to 69); and Claire Ansink (70-79).
Parishioners returned to the church at 11 a.m. for the Blessing of the Pets service by Pastor Joe Reed. About 50 brought dogs, cats — and even a couple bunnies. That evening, parishioners enjoyed a chili cook-off.
SJN’s Harvesting For Him Festival Sunday, Oct. 2, featured a kickball tournament, soccer challenge, rock climbing, inflatables, cake walk, food trucks and a dunking booth, where principal Bill Derbyshire, academic dean Sabrina Talley and Reed took turns in the booth getting dunked.
“I’m excited to get some hot food,” Reed said after being dunked.
“It felt good,” said Blake Powell, 8, who ducked the pastor.
“He’s a good ball player,” Reed observed.
“I felt bad for (Reed),” said the pastor’s sister, Anna Galyon of Farragut. “It’s such a cold day. He must really love these people.”
