We are in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic and therefore cannot attend live church services, nor could we have our outdoor Sunrise service at church. What could be done, however, is meet at the church to partake of the Lord's Supper in small groups. Terri and I arranged to meet at 8:00 a.m. with Mike S. Charles joined Terri which was awesome so the four of us communed together, missing the sleeping Justin. The Nardi's were there also, on the other side of the sanctuary. We saw folks leaving when we arrived, only two wearing face masks out of the dozen or so we saw, including one man undergoing cancer treatments.
Justin's Easter basket done up in a decorative gourd lined with tissue paper
The pastor had a brief devotion, went through confession and absolution, a couple of Bible readings, and then consecrated the elements for communion. Charles accidentally got one of the white grape juice individual cups, not realizing it until it was too late. I hope we can do this in a full service soon. Mike said, after church, that he told Pastor that the two things he is looking forward to when this is over will be having a live church service again, and having lunch with his friends. This made me cry! Our time together is so important.
Terri, Charles, Sue Bass, and me at church
After some quick pictures, we went our separate ways. Frank and Sue were going in for communion. I returned home after stopping at the cemetery, empty handed, as I never gave it a thought to get a bouquet from the store. Normally I have one at church on Easter and take that over. No lilies, either. Justin said he saw them at Winn Dixie and should have grabbed one but his hands were full. It was a good thought anyway. Just after noon I went over to The Club to pick up our meals, pre-ordered during the week. Both of us got the prime rib which was yum. I ate mine right away but he ate his when he got up, before going to work. So very good. We got one extra chocolate bread pudding which was nice of them to do. I am a big fan of the dinner rolls they serve.
Prime ribs, mashed potatoes, mac 'n cheese, and green beans on my picnic plates
I had a very nice day watching the various church services, including our own done in partnership with Victory Lutheran and live streamed. Also watched a concert performed by Andrea Bocelli from the duomo in Milan. At night I watched a service put on by our Synod, a blended worship service with guitars and piano. The sermon was good, presented by the President of the Seminary and the closing hymn was "Abide With Me" which was accompanied on the organ. That was my favorite part! "Hold thou thy cross before my closing eyes; shine through the gloom and point me to the skies. Heavens morning breaks and earth's vain shadows flee; in life, in death, O Lord, abide with me." Joyouse Resurrection Day everyone!
Justin made a fruit pizza for us to enjoy. Had this instead of hot cross buns
this year.
