The Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence will hold its 27th anniversary "Perpetual Indulgence in the Park" Easter picnic and celebration this Sunday, April 16 in Dolores Park at 18th and Dolores streets, while the volunteer organization Tenderloin Tessie's will serve up its free annual Easter dinner at the First Unitarian Church.

The Sisters' Easter event is free and brings together children, friends, artists, and activists for stage performances, children's activities and cash-prize contests. The activities start at 10 a.m.

"We have all of the old favorites, the 'Hunky Jesus' contest, the 'Bonnet' contest, grant giveaways, and Saintings, but we are planning a lot of surprises and fun new tricks," said Sister MaryMae Himm, chair of this year's event. "It's a true family day, from the kids events in the morning, picnicking in the park, and ending with the more risqué things like the Hunky Jesus and Bonnet contests."

Participants will line up to parade across the stage in their Easter finest for the Bonnet contest at 1 p.m. At 3:15, this year's Hunky Jesus will be chosen. Both winners will receive a $100 cash prize.

Sister Anni Coque l'Doo, publicity chair for the Easter picnic, said scheduled entertainers include Janet Fly, Trauma Flintstone, Connie Champagne, Kielbasia, Katja Shminoff Skyy, Michael Grove, Twilight Vixens, and Donna Sachet.

In addition to providing an afternoon of entertainment, the Sisters also hope to raise money for grants awards from donations.

In the event of rain, the picnic will be moved to the Eureka Valley Recreation Center, 100 Collingwood Street. Information will be posted by 9 a.m. on the Sisters' Web site, www.thesisters.org.

Following the picnic, from 4 to 9 p.m., will be a no-cover Easter Gala at Cafe Flore, 2298 Market Street at Noe, with hostess Sister Porn Again and MC Donna Sachet. Events will include another Bonnet contest, a basket raffle for Positive Resource Center, and a show featuring Deanna Dawn, Miss Anita Fixx, Sister Bella de Ball, and Miss Gay SF Patrice.

The Tenderloin Tessie's Easter dinner, at the First Unitarian Church, 1187 Franklin Street between Geary and O'Farrell, is expected to serve between 800 and 1,000 people, according to dinner coordinator Toby Nelson. The meal will include ham with traditional holiday trimmings, apple pie, and gift bags for all diners, as well as Easter baskets for children. Don Fox will give the blessing.

Volunteers should call (415) 255-7503 in advance. They will need to be ready for orientation by 12:30 p.m. and dinner will be served from 1 to 4 p.m.

Worship services

Metropolitan Community Churches around the Bay Area also will hold special services.

Metropolitan Community Church-San Francisco will host Holy Thursday and Good Friday services at 7 p.m. on April 13 and 14 respectively, and Easter Sunday services at 9 a.m., 11 a.m., and 7 p.m. at 150 Eureka Street between 18th and 19th. For more information, visit www.mccsf.org.

MCC-San Jose hosts its Sunday service at 10:30 a.m. A Good Friday Taize service takes place April 14 at 7 p.m. Both events take place at the church, located at 65 South 7th Street in downtown San Jose.

In the East Bay, the New Spirit Community Church, an affiliation between MCC and the United Church of Christ, will hold its Easter service at 11 a.m. at the chapel of the Pacific School of Religion, 1798 Scenic Way, in Berkeley. For more information, call (510) 704-7729.

MCC of the Redwood Empire in Guerneville will host its Easter service at 10 a.m. at the Oddfellows Hall, 16219 First Street. For more information call (707) 869-9882.

New Spirit MCC in Santa Rosa holds its Sunday service at 10:30 a.m. The church is located at 855 7th Street. For more information call (707) 526-4673.