This morning was Bible study and worship, not unusual for a Sunday. We had a guest study presenter today, as our pastor’s dad, a former professor from the Seminary, lead the class. The subject was “By Faith Alone” from Romans, dissecting a few passages which bring home the point that nothing we can do is enough to earn salvation. I sat with Judy C. and Laurie, no Gretchen today. She does not always make it to Bible study but usually does for worship. Today she missed both, unless she makes it this afternoon for the Reformation service. Terri T. was going to call her and arrange a ride for Gretchen.
Back to the study, though…once the class was wrapped up, we three ladies stayed talking at the table about a few things, as Carol came walking over. Laurie said to Judy and me, “What am I going to do after you ladies are gone.....?” and then added she didn’t mean to sound like we were old. Judy piped up that SHE would take our place and instruct her children in the true, solid Word. Just as Carol got there, Judy told Laurie that she had meant to call her anyway to fuss at her. Laurie said, “Go ahead, fuss at me” so Judy said she was concerned about the boys not getting to Sunday school, having missed a few weeks. Laurie said she knew, she knew, and said to Judy, “Thank you, Shirley”, as this was exactly what her grandma would have said. Carol laughed about Shirley still making an appearance in someone else’s body! Love these ladies!
Once in the church, one of our newer members, Cat, was sporting a shorter haircut. She had about a foot in length removed and she looks so cute. Her hubby and she are the parents of our youngest member, Eli. Cat donated the length to “Locks of Love” and I made the joke that I am growing the hair out on my legs for that foundation, too. “Oh, Kim……” Summer is over now, what can I say? Cat teaches Sunday school, having had a WELS background before they came to Jax. Her hubby, Tyler, went through Bible information class with Judy J., Judy C., and I as his classmates. Tyler was the first one people I know of that was baptized, confirmed, and had the Lord’s Supper all in one service. Very special for some of us in the congregation!
Robbie played the entire service today, using parts of different Orders of Service, including The Gathering Rite for the first time, I think. At least the first time we used it the way it is written or planned, with the organ music playing under the speaking parts, the exchanges between pastor and congregation. Sort of reminded me of the music service I attended at the Assembly of God church a couple weeks ago. (Sometimes I fear my face will stay this way!!!) We did sing the Te Deum after the sermon which was much appreciated by me, and the lady sitting behind me, as I said softly, “One more time!”
After church I headed for home, stopping at McDonald’s for a burger. The car in front of me had a lady I know from the Art Guild at the wheel and she was waving at me. I waved at her, too, and when we pulled around to the window, the passenger door opened and there was my other friend, Kris. She came to my window and asked if I was heading to St. Augustine, too, as they were going to take in art for a show going on down there. I told her I was going home to rest after church and then returning later to church for a special service. How funny it was to see her, to see them. At least I thought it was!
Shortly I will be readying myself to return to church, as half time is nearly upon the game, tied up 7 to 7 with Houston. The Jags might be a bit tired from the game on Monday night OR they might still be on fire after their victory. The announcers just said that the guy who is my favorite player on the team has legs like tree trunks! That is what my name means in Indian---woman with hair like straw and legs like tree trunks! Maurice is having a tough time hanging onto the ball in recent games, dropping it once already today. Hope that’s behind him and he is all tree trunk legs today!
