How was church today?

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Thurs mornings r spent being part of a crew that tends to the grounds...while the weather's still good we lawn mow n hedge trim the hedges of evil (nasty 2" thorns JESUS CHRIST!!!)
I hear that we'll move indoors when the weather gets too cold

That day there is also a service
Where during the afters when everyone's sitting and munching on one table in the narthex I always see them as the Last Supper

This Sun is a newcomer's luncheon. Should be neet as I've never
(last Sat was another sex segregated event and I went that one time glad I did but I still ain't comfortable with sex segregated events...I am such a communist :3)
 
Preyer meetings ... the conjugation of pre yers ... pre dittoers ? A pilgrimage into other's dreams?

" I have a dream ... a song to sing ..." but there are those that say it should be stopped and fixed ... eunuch, or Eunice ?

Where there are others that say the dream is eternal ... the only ration that goes on? Tis a small thing (hope/faith) to fallen authorities ... like information that is strange toem ... alien intellect? Such is despised and eliminated ... thus Exclusion Prin. allowing the view from out there ...

Tis a human enigma ... some say a problem unless you'd like to move on from the Maas we're in ... a' nihilistically speaking ... kind' a baffling like great spreads of God asword ... few get the jester from "attica" ... a scout may be required as a' theist or at least agn' stick ! Moe levity ...
 
Yes, we participated in Communion too. Our only Sunday School child stood beside the minister and 'helped' her. It was cute. Our choir was depressingly small today...only 4 of us. I tried to sing soprano (no alto in the song we chose) but not sure how it sounded. Also...only 37 in the congregation. A low Sunday for us.
 
My co-minister, who just came on staff in June, preached today (she's half time, and focusses mainly on CE and pastoral care, so only preaches every 6 weeks or so) so for only the second time in over 22 years of ministry I went down to the Sunday School after the opening part of the service. I love kids, but it reminded me that my gifts are not in youth or children's ministry. God bless those clergy and layfolk who do have those gifts. We came up for Communion, at which I co-presided, and the congregation made their own sundaes after church.
 
It was wonderful!!!! We arrived early to get a parking spot and seatThe main floor of the sanctuary was full- the balcony had more than the usual bunch. Banners, balloons, doccorations on the pulpit and communion table. The Moderator as our guest speaker.
And We are now an Affirming Congregation!!!!!
Such a joyous celebration. Special music. Presentations. Everybody filled with the Spirit. And some so overcome with emotion that tears ran down their faces.
I assisted in serving communion - so many familiar faces, and so many that I did not recognize. Some admitted during the gathering time after the worship that they had never felt welcome in a church before, and hadn't attended anywhere for years. But an open invitation - colourful signage, a front page newspaper article, and radio and TV interviews brought them in. I recognized visitors from other UCC congregations well - I know one congregation that usually meets at 10:00 am had a short service to give their people time to get down to our 11:00 am worship.
Unfortunate both Seelergirl and grandson woke up this morning with upset stomachs, unable to keep anything down. She phoned to let me know that they couldn't join us. In the background I heard Grandson saying "I'm feeling better now. Someone could drive me down." Not a usual request from a 12 year old. We must be doing somethign right!
I'm walking on clouds from seeing two of my rainbow friends on video radio on Friday, and pictures of the church on ATV news, anad then meeting the moderator in a small group for tea and snacks Saturday afternoon, and then today's service. WOW! Tomorrow it's back to the ordinary. I'll be back at the church on Wednesday to help to feed the hungry.
 
No church for the monkey today. First Sunday of the month is a brunch and discussion rather than a traditional service, which is not church for me so I skip it. Have good intentions about the remaining Sundays this month and I have no choice about October 30 since I'm doing the service.
 
I forgot to add we had 3 members join by affirmation of faith. 2 were raised catholic and one had been baptised in UC as an infant but now as an adult in her 50s she is back.
 
We celebrated Worldwide Communion this Sunday too.
On Saturday, a friend and I directed a group of Sunday School children in baking bread. On Sunday, they helped serve it. It was such a treat to see the pride on their faces as they shared their hard work with the congregation. And the congregation was so thankful for their efforts and participation. Those are the ways that we have to include our young people in worship so that they feel valued and included in the life of the church.
 
I agree Hilary. Some of my saddest moments as a very young church member were those when my energy, enthusiasm and desire to be useful were brushed aside.
 
Thought that I would take notes during church

As I write this post, the offertory is being taken. A woman is playing "because he lives" on the flute, accompanied by piano. This church has a praise band. Not so keen on words but like concept.

The youth shared with us the contents of "blessing bags" . What is in and why.

Moving prayers of the people about how we encounter people.

Interesting engaging scripture reading of Mark 2:1-12 by someone who I have encountered many gimes but never chatted with. Put him in a new light for me.

Sermon started with this video "Embracing the Other":
I didn't have an opportunity to make notes as too engrossed in message

Thankful, I am
 
Thanks Pinga. Good message, with lots of prompts to reflection.
My church was wonderful today. Miraculously, our choir sang a hard song (hard for us) almost perfectly. The congregation felt moved to clap (they don't always!). Our passing of the peace was busy, loud and joyful. My grandson gave thoughtful and kind answers during the Children's Story. The message was inspiring. Items were dedicated in memory of two long-time members who passed away in the last couple of months. BUT...during the Prayers for the People, I prayed most sincerely for a young man who is going through a divorce, and who looked particularly sad today. I made sure I spoke to him, but I'm hoping the prayers help more. By the end of the service, I noticed him singing and a little more engaged. Prayers will continue.
 
As often happens today was a bit of a let down from our celebration last week.
Thanksgiving decorations were beautiful (as always). Lots of punkins this year. And I was pleased to see that the rainbow flag and rainbow candle were still up - even though they don't match the fall colours of harvest home.
Seelergirl and Pete sat with us. Always nice to worship together with family. - We will have Thanksgiving dinner with them tomorrow when the kids are there after five days with their father.

Music was good - familiar Thanksgiving hymns, plus a new one from More Voices. I enjoyed them all until I noticed the words of one of them. I may write a parody on it for my Writers' Group. Not my theology - and bad poetry as well.

Noticed two former Moderators sitting behind me - one a fairly regular attender, the other an occasional visitor from another province.
Last week we had the current Moderator.
 
My nephew is dating the daughter of a former moderator. I'm hoping this means I will get to meet him someday. They live a few hours away from here.
 
Good service today. Nice Thanksgiving singing. Pastor gave a sermon based on Jesus' "I am the door" statement from the John-Gospel. Afterwards, we all enjoyed a festive turkey potluck.
 
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