Rain couldn't keep them away from luau

Not even a downpour of rain could keep Hosanna Lutheran Church from hosting its summer luau.

More than 300 people attended the 26th annual Hosanna Church Picnic at the church's new location on Red Gate Road, about a half-mile from its old building on Crane Road.

Senior Pastor John P. Nelson, who has been with the church since 1986, said the picnics promote fellowship among members and the surrounding community.

"We've done a lot of work, moved from one church site to the other," Nelson said. "It's important that we worship together and play together."

The new church has a congregation of nearly 2,200 people and, thanks to its new building, the crowd celebrated on site. Formerly the picnics were not held at the church because the old site was too small.

Children participated in face painting, bean bag tosses and limbo and hula hoop contests. To keep with the tropical theme, participants donned bright leis and some wore Hawaiian T-shirts.

"Since this is my first time here, I am delighted by the large turnout," said Mary Fischer of Geneva, a pastoral intern at Hosanna. "People have been coming and going all afternoon."

Church volunteers organized the luau. And because of heavy rains, they moved the event inside to the gym.

"Unfortunately, it was raining, but it turned out to be a success despite the rain," Dave Purcell of Elgin, a church member. "Everybody felt compelled to come out and celebrate."