Not Just on Sunday
Of course, every one knows that Sunday is a full day around here and yesterday was no exception. We had excellent worship attendance in the traditional services with a real barn-burner of a choir anthem and in Shine there was a neat new video for Lent. Sunday school was bustling with kids at both 9:30 and 11:00 and speaking of kids, our new children's handbell choir was wonderful and the Covenant Choir did their part. Of course, the Wesley Men always bless us with their music. How many churches do you know that have a men chorus of 40 voices? We commissioned our Costa Rica Mission team and best of all we received over 20 new members, most of whom are young families with children. Just a wonderful day.
But around here, it's not just on Sunday! You should have been here on Saturday when we wrapped up the three-on-three basketball with over 80 kids and a couple hundred parents and family members. Thanks to an excellent team of coaches and organizers for a great first year. At the same time they were packing the CLC, the Cub Scouts filled the fellowship hall for their Pinewood Derby, the Dads and Daughters dance class was in the North Conference Room and senior citizens were on the walking track. Come Saturday evening 40+ Senior Highs came for Club 42 and over 60 of our members attended the annual dinner for Cass Community Social Services. And did I mention Friday night when about 30 confirmands and their families met for the confirmation class and supper? Amazing...just amazing. I received an e-mail Sunday afternoon that said it in one word: "Today's worship--WOW!"
I'm not saying all of this to brag, I am simply celebrating what God is doing in this place, and what God's people are doing through this church in the world. At the Cass Annual Dinner, one of our members, Jeff Tenniswood was recognized as the volunteer of the year. Jeff is just one of hundreds of our folks who give their time around the community for the sake of Christ and in the name of the church and all I can say is "Wow!" In the face of challenging economic realities and changing time, we have been blessed--blessed in order to be blessing in God's world.
Next weekend I will be going to Naples, Florida for our annual reunion with some of our snowbirds. They all say the same thing: "We just can't find a church like First Church", and I know they are right. It's a great time to be part of this great church--thanks be to God!
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