Awesome! This word sums it up nicely, the service tonight was awesome. No particular fanfare, no guitars and drums or tambourines, but marvelous male voices joined in hymn singing. We are blessed to be hosting the area pastor's conference at GS, and they like to sing! They even sang a song for us servers after the Mystery Dinner, a German song wishing us high life, or something like that. Three stanzas! It seems to be customary for them to do this after being served a meal. I like it!
A couple of us ladies were able to sit in on the conference and hear a presentation this afternoon about evangelism and outreach. It was interesting to hear, sort of helps a lay person figure out where these concepts originate. Needless to say my papers had considerable notes written on them, plus Carol and Judy were scratching notes as well.
At a certain point, we ladies had to leave to help get things ready for the Mystery Dinner, plus Carol had to go home and change her clothes for church. Judy, Terri T., Betty, and I were the servers for the dinner and we ran our legs off. Not really but I worked up a sweat. It's hot in the kitchen! The two chefs named Mike did a magnificent job with the meals and are going to receive a note from confirming such. They are just the best!
When we've had these dinners in the past, the young people were our servers and didn't have so much trouble keeping things straight. I credit them knowing our names as well as being young and having fresh minds. The money collected for the needed silverware was put in the collection plate during the service. I wonder if the guests know that...
Sunday the ladies rehearsed the stripping of the altar to make sure all things would go well.
The highlight of the evening was the worship, Maundy Thursday-themed. The Altar Guild ladies did the ceremonial stripping of the altar while Pastor Huebner chanted a psalm. He was also the accompanist for the service which was also quite well done. I told him afterwards how I liked looking at his face while he played, so intent and focused. He has to fly to MN in the morning, and thanked me for reporting the below zero temps he will face upon his arrival there.
For the service, I sat with Dawn O. who came up from St. Augustine for the service. She attends the Thursday Bible study at Victory as well. Her hubby didn't want to come so I sat with her. We shared the enjoyment of the singing and took the Lord's Supper together.
I am so very glad that I passed up attending the Owners' Meeting for the condo for this good day. But I am also sad to not see one of my favorite pastors (who lives in Palm Coast!) in attendance. Perhaps he will be there tomorrow and I won't be. Unless I change my mind after a good night's sleep. My feet and legs are smokin' but my heart is so happy!
