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No longer on the river and, again, an empty nester. Back to living on Fleming Island and making some more friends!

Sunday, November 18, 2012

Saints Triumphant!

For Bible study, we at last finished the stewardship classes (3 weeks' worth) which I went through start to finish in one hours' time at Victory a couple weeks ago. This was a rerun, sort of, for me. Next time we are studying Galatians, which I really look forward to! But what was most 'exciting' about this day was it being "Saints Triumphant" Sunday. 

Robbie had told me he was playing for our worship which makes it that much nicer. The opening hymn was "Jerusalem, the Golden", the new tune from the Supplement, which causes me to weep. Since I was still in the back of the church during the hymn, I could hear the congregation needed some support. I sang out as best I could, until I couldn't! "...forever and forever are clad in robes of white..." Gets me every time.
                Greg Olsen Take My Hand Open Edition on Paper
My friend, Kari, sent me this picture of a painting by Greg Olsen, who said this is how she pictures Timmy in heaven with the Lord. She nailed it! ...and she never knew Timmy

I was sad that Paul and Emily got there after the singing of the first hymn, as Emily and I sang together when the choirs (Victory and ours) did the choral arrangement of "Jerusalem, the Golden". She had to carry me half the time!The next hymn was "For All The Saints" which has a similar text or sentiment to "Jerusalem..." but does not make me sob, but sing bolder. 

The readings were all tied to our future glory, with the closing hymn being the final stanzas of "For All the Saints..." I turned to Twila and Jean to tell them, "This is my favorite..." and they chuckled, as it seems they all are my favorites! For the recessional, Robbie played "In Christ Alone" and the tears started again. As did the singing, as I made my way down the aisle. 
After lunch I took a few more pictures of folks for our new Flock Board. Lonnie had made a wood-framed board with carved flowers and vines colored in green, top-of-the-line look for our Flock! He also built a wood framed bulletin board for the Fellowship Hall which adds class to the room. Two tall people put up my blue table cloth as a back drop, closing the corners in the doors of a free-standing cabinet. The blue was a nice background and made a big difference for the shots.

Terri, Mike, Judy, and I went to Chili's for a change for lunch. The waitress told me she likes to see my face on Sundays---how nice! I had dried my tears by then, of course. The others got there ahead of me, as I had to wait through 'the light' on Wells and Blanding, and had ordered my Diet Coke for me. I had my usual lunch and took half home with me, which Justin nabbed as soon as I got home. 

He didn't go to church today, as I believe he got home rather late from his friend's engagement party. We are planning to attend Victory on Wednesday night for their ThanksLiving service and I will go again on Thursday to GS, hoping Justin will join me there as well. After church we will be going to the buffet at The Club. From there he will go to his father's and I am going to Judy's to perhaps celebrate again!


But lo! there breaks a yet more glorious day;
The saints triumphant rise in bright array;
The King of glory passes on His way.
Alleluia, Alleluia!