Seeler
Well-Known Member
How was church today?
This Sunday we had our congregational picnic when we gathered at a large park, under the trees, not far from the duck pond where we could hear the water in the central fountain, and flowing out down a little brook.
All ages from a toddler - watched carefully by her 3 year old sister to an elderly woman assisted with her walker by her caring husband. Almost as large a congregation as we would expect at a regular service this time of year, and some who rarely attend.
Beautiful day - blue sky, clear air, just enough breeze to keep the mosquitos down.
As I drove out to pick up my grandson I heard on CBC a children’s choir singing "It’s a Wonderful World".
We arrived early - watched the ducks for a bit. Grandson climbed a tree.
Then we wondered over, set up our chairs, and handed out bulletins with the order of service and the hymns printed. Our choir director set up his guitar.
The service was short, hymns, scripture (the first chapter of Genesis which is being discussed in another thread but which was made real for us in the natural setting. A short reflection about caring for the world we have been given - and making a difference.
Then the games - a big parachute to shake, a cloths-pin game, water balloons. I participated just long enough to get Grandson involved and then went to sit with the on-lookers as children of all ages, and a few playful adults, chased and laughed. Hot-dogs, chips, rainbow cake, juices and coolers with water.
A year ago Grandson would have been hanging around me - or sitting off by himself. He had some unfortunate experiences in grade that left him shy and withdrawn. Today he was mixing with the others, joining in. I looked over once and saw him sitting with some other boys eating a hot-dog. Later it was a chunk of chocolate cake. He’s going to have good memories of being at church today and maybe be eager for VBS in the fall.
And I came home my soul refreshed. God is good.
How was church for you?
This Sunday we had our congregational picnic when we gathered at a large park, under the trees, not far from the duck pond where we could hear the water in the central fountain, and flowing out down a little brook.
All ages from a toddler - watched carefully by her 3 year old sister to an elderly woman assisted with her walker by her caring husband. Almost as large a congregation as we would expect at a regular service this time of year, and some who rarely attend.
Beautiful day - blue sky, clear air, just enough breeze to keep the mosquitos down.
As I drove out to pick up my grandson I heard on CBC a children’s choir singing "It’s a Wonderful World".
We arrived early - watched the ducks for a bit. Grandson climbed a tree.
Then we wondered over, set up our chairs, and handed out bulletins with the order of service and the hymns printed. Our choir director set up his guitar.
The service was short, hymns, scripture (the first chapter of Genesis which is being discussed in another thread but which was made real for us in the natural setting. A short reflection about caring for the world we have been given - and making a difference.
Then the games - a big parachute to shake, a cloths-pin game, water balloons. I participated just long enough to get Grandson involved and then went to sit with the on-lookers as children of all ages, and a few playful adults, chased and laughed. Hot-dogs, chips, rainbow cake, juices and coolers with water.
A year ago Grandson would have been hanging around me - or sitting off by himself. He had some unfortunate experiences in grade that left him shy and withdrawn. Today he was mixing with the others, joining in. I looked over once and saw him sitting with some other boys eating a hot-dog. Later it was a chunk of chocolate cake. He’s going to have good memories of being at church today and maybe be eager for VBS in the fall.
And I came home my soul refreshed. God is good.
How was church for you?