True Community
I am in a special position on Sundays. I bear witness to a lot of faithfulness and personal interactions that not everyone can see. Yesterday was a full day at New Providence and an excellent trailer for what the full feature film looks like here in our little church.
Kathy was telling Kemper stories of her cat before Sunday School.
During our study, we talked about wealth and what we do with it around the table.
Covered dishes filled with sides and desserts were carted into the fellowship hall.
Patsy and Marylynn dropped Halloween candy in the study.
I won’t eat it all. I promise.
We will hand it out from Bruce’s yard next Saturday.
We’ve promised not to TP his house while he’s away.
Barry solved the problem of the sanctuary thermostat with AA batteries.
Then my mic died before the end of worship.
The bells echoed through the hallway as they practiced for the prelude.
It was confessed that it is a very stressful piece, but it was beautiful.
Mary-Grace proudly ran up the stairs to show me her latest fingernail polish color.
Jerry shared good news about his and Brenda’s health.
Daisy did a spin in her fluffy pink skirt.
Walter still swears he isn’t worth two cents.
Jeanne and Thad came in and were instantly swarmed with well-wishers.
Danielle reminded everyone of Seedlings Storytime next month. Please help.
Dear friends of Kenny and Pam worshipped with us. Kenny’s sister Theresa as well.
Wally was back after heart surgery, chipper as ever.
Helen celebrated her 90th birthday over the weekend.
Ken noted Jordan’s presence in worship from Richmond.
Ken & Barry took the lead in the anthem. Well done!
Jack & Henry came with their grandparents.
Brooklyn, Layla and Ms. Ginny had coordinating outfits.
We read about playground safety and the kids loved finding their names in the book.
Bruce waited for the BBQ delivery and snuck in for the sermon.
I could hear the kids upstairs like elephants dancing.
A second table was added for all the desserts at lunch.
Addison is playing soccer and loves sugar as much as me.
Mary-Grace held the door open for Mrs. Helen, Bob and Cathy to come in.
Mike made it from his bowling tournament!
The kids scarfed down their food then made Generosity Jars and actually played peacefully.
Layla clung to my leg and decorated my hands with stickers.
Bowling was a topic of conversation.
As were the wild animals of Rockbridge County.
Hogback Mountain BBQ was heaped onto plates.
And the desserts. So many desserts.
I asked Ken & Peter to bring out some folding chairs to the playground for our seniors.
Not a single one of them sat down for the ceremony! Truly the greatest generation.
Daisy brought me a cup of water because I “have to speak a lot.”
Pam talked eloquently about how much the church means to her family, recalling her wedding.
Isabelle took marvelous photos of our celebration.
Ken gave folks instructions on the confetti poppers.
I really didn’t think they would last until the end.
Jeanne ceremoniously cut the ribbon like a champ with her winning grin.
A flurry of work to clean up the kitchen by both members and friends.
Tears of grief. Tears of joy. We remembered we can have both.
Kids ran all over the playground and tennis court laughing.
Colored confetti skipping by blue skies in the wind.