"He is risen indeed"

"Christos anesti"!, as taught by my downstairs neighbor, Gus. Of course his name is Gus, as he is Greek. I, however, cannot wish him this just yet as the Greeks do not celebrate the same date for Easter as other Christians. I think he celebrates a week or so later, a different full moon after the spring equinox...But, I like his teaching me this---Christ is risen!

We had a good turnout for sunrise service, just under 50 people, and one newborn baby. One of our members had her granddaughter along, with her newborn (two weeks old) baby. I asked Maggie if the baby was being baptized today but she said no, but soon. I would love to have a baptism on Easter, celebrating both sacraments along with the Word, but that's okay---I can wait!

The inevitable technical difficulties of having outdoor worship prevented us from being able to sing the opening hymn of Psalm 63 and we also sang 4 stanzas of "I Know That My Redeemer Lives" a Capella. Well, I mostly listened even though my help would have been good supporting the hymn from the back row where I was seated. Everyone there knew the hymn and did fine without me. That hymn has become a listening one for me, for the most part.

At last the guys got the system to work so we had accompaniment from the MIDI which was inside the church. In the past we've had a keyboardist who'd play outside where the congregation was assembled but we no longer have that availability. After the service we gathered up the hymnals and got them back into the pew racks while others carried the chairs into the Fellowship Hall. It's nice having doors that open directly onto the area where the service is held. Sadly, my friend, Betty, tripped going in the door carrying her chair, but two strong men got her back up on her feet. I called her tonight and she said her knee is quite sore but she can walk, which is a good thing.

Breakfast was wonderful, Chefs Mike 'n Mike presenting once again their culinary skills. They have decided to discontinue their services, however, but I asked them to reconsider when it's time for my funeral. I am counting on them to make the reception food, all my favorites. It will be quite the feast! Mike S. said he'll be long gone (dead) by that time but he forgets that I am older than he is!  

Justin joined us for breakfast and together he and I were awaiting the arrival of my brother-in-law, Harvey, Justin's godfather  and his wife, Barb. They are in town visiting his brother but wanted to worship with us at a WELS church. We had a chance to visit before going into church, since I was taking attendence. Got them squared away with Pastor for attending the Lord's Supper and then Justin showed them to 'our' pew. 

We had a procession as part of the service, and the acolyte was holding the candle, ready to proceed. All of a sudden Pastor disappeared. I asked the usher where he went and the usher said he went to get the cross. The cross was already in the church, lying on the organ bench alongside of where I was standing. Darwin took off after him to tell him the cross was already there, so we could get started. 

The acolyte was nervous enough because the Paschal candle is so tall, and then to have this delay was rattling his nerves. He did fine though he felt like everyone was looking at him. I thought they were looking at me! The congregation stood and faced the back of the church as the Paschal candle and the brass cross were carried down the aisle. We have done this for many years and it is a lovely procession, while the congregation sings the hymn. 

It was nice to partake of the Lord's Supper with the Days and with Justin on this Easter celebration. When we returned to our pew from the table, I was handed the baby (we only have one baby!), Eloise, while her mom and dad went to the Lord's Supper. She loves fine jewelry so chewed on my necklace, tugged my earring, and sucked on an Easter pin I was wearing. Eloise has three teeth already and is trying to grow some more. I let her chew away so she didn't fuss while her parents were away. Nothing like baby slobber on ones jewelry. Angel and Chad picked her up from me on their way back to the pew.I love it when our communion is timed such that I get to hold the baby for them. 

We chatted with Harv and Barb after church for a bit longer but then had to run because of having noon reservations for the Easter buffet at The Club. They were going back to his brother's house to have a late afternoon feast. I am going to show them the town by going to Grumpy's for lunch tomorrow. Harvey asked if we could go to the cemetery, too, and it just choked me up. Of course we could go, though, sadly, I have no lily to take this year. A change in the florist that supplies our church caused a problem when attempting to get the lilies, so none were to be had. A tough lesson learned there....don't mess with a winning formula!

Justin and I were warmly greeted at The Club, guests and even wait staff introducing themselves to Justin if they'd not already met. I was filled up without taking a bite, everyone was so nice. Justin and I were seated adjacent to my friend, Bob, and his family. So glad to see them all, especially Bob, since he suffered a stroke last fall. His daughter helped nurse him back to health and got him back to his own home mid January. Everyone I talked to is looking forward to pool season again, so the workmen better pick up the pace on the cabana renovations. We are getting impatient!

It was a blessed day today and I look forward to good sleep tonight. Justin has a long work week again if the weather holds. This is my prayer for him and his crew. He has helpers most of the week and he will appreciate their strong backs and able bodies doing the sod laying. Justin is so not a fan of side jobs like this, much prefers the maintenance portion after the sod starts to grow!