My boy has gone to Orlando for the weekend with a group of friends, celebrating the birthday of "Kim", at Disney. Her husband, a classmate of the guys from St. Johns, and she were married a couple years ago at Disney so she is a huge fan of the parks. Their park of choice was Epcot for Saturday, and Animal Kingdom on Sunday. I don't know how affected their group was by the torrential rains much of the state had earlier in the day Saturday, including us here in N. FL.
We had Bible study this a.m. followed by worship, a special day today because of it being the 5th Sunday in the month. Even though I wasn't here to request any, it was Favorite Hymn day. Kathy R. was at the organ, playing the first 5 hymns of the day, all in a row, including one of 'our' favorites, "Be Still My Soul". She told me that every time she hears or plays it, she thinks of me. I told her that when I hear or sing it, I think of her! Love how that works!
We also sang the first two stanzas of "In Christ Alone", among some other favorites. During the actual service another favorite was sung, "Blest Be The Ties That Bind" which has the line in it about shedding the sympathizing tear. Good! I needed that as our closing hymn was "Go, My Children". Judy had walked out with Amber (Amber's blood sugar dropped, so they went out to get her something sweet to eat). As they came back in, Judy touched my shoulder during the closing hymn. Mike S. had looked over at me as the intro was playing, and I glanced at Kathy, who was back in the pew, and she nodded at me. Yes, they know and perhaps remember...
We had a "cookies by the pound" bake sale after church, a fund raiser in support of our Mother/Daughter event in May. Many wonderful donations of baked treats were brought in. Prior to worship, however, a newer member, Carolynn, was going around with handouts reporting that ladies have made baked goods and we should be sure to sample their treats. This was for the coming weeks' baked goods, not the bake sale, so to avoid more confusion, Pastor made an announcement saying that today's bakery was for sale, not free. Yikes!
Years ago we had every Sunday refreshments but that eventually died off. Now a group of ladies wishes to do it again and have sign-up sheets where folks can take their turn bringing stuff. Normally Judy C. takes care of cleaning up after worship, puts the coffee stuff away and washes the pots, etc. Now, she might not be the designated person to do so since we don't generally stick around after church, choosing to go to lunch instead. We'll see how this pans out.
These same ladies are starting a food pantry for our members and 'friends of members'. This congregation used to have that, as well, and it faded away, probably about the time the preschool started. It's not a good idea to have people, non-members, roaming around the property when the kids are there. When the pantry was discontinued, our members were encouraged to donate to the Clothes Closet in OP, where clothing and food are distributed to Clay County needy folks. A good solution. The congregation has a fund to help those of our members in need, and, as one member declared, we want to know about someone needing something so we can pitch in directly. That's what family does!
Before church began, Kristi summoned me over to announce that she is putting together a 'little choir' for Easter. Kathy has agreed to play for us, just like old times! There might be only a handful of us, as usual, and the anthem is simple enough, requiring only a couple rehearsals. I can make this committment! And to edify our worship on Easter, I am in!
