Two funerals
- On Saturday, December 21, I conducted the funeral for Harley Polley at Auxters. I had met Harley at the Bellevue Care center, but did not make the connection that he was a St. John's member.
- On Thursday, December 26, I conducted the funeral for Sandy Warden, also at Auxters. The committal was at the Bellevue Cememtery today, Friday.
Christmas Eve Dinners Delivered
On Tuesday, a large number of volunteers from St. John's gathered at the church to cook and deliver 165 meals to shut-in and economically challenged St. John's and community members. Menu: ham, scalloped potatoes, bacon green beans, dinner roll, apple sauce, fruit cookie. Sunday School children and youth created candy cane Christmas tree ornaments that were delivered with the meals. Thanks and kudos for all who took time out of their busy Christmas Eve schedule to do this ministry outreach.
Care center Communion
Christmas Eve was my scheduled day to do communion at Orchard Grove and Bellevue Care. So I brought my guitar, we sang some carols, read the Christmas gospel, and celebrated Holy Communion.
Christmas Eve Services
I thought Christmas Eve worship went well. Attendance was up over last year.
- 2018 --- 5pm 147, 9pm 106, Total 253
- 2019 --- 5pm 186, 9pm 113, Total 299
The music was excellent. Erik and Sarah, my son and daughter attended 5pm, and Erik was "blown away" by the organ. Shannon on the french horn, and Christ on the trumpet also added the excellence of the service. At the 5pm service I heard both the organ and the trumpet, and I looked up there was Chris playing organ with his left and and pedals, and trumpet with his right hand. Talk about walking and chewing gum at the same time!! Amazing! Thanks to all who did so much to make our Christmas celebration memorable and meaningful.
Fifth Sunday Outreach
Sunday we will wrap up our Christmas Giving Trees by bringing forward our offerings of caps, hats and mittens for a blessing prayer. Thanks to all who participated!
Council Installation
Council members, don't forget that a week from Sunday, January 5, will be installation of Council Members. Hope you can all be there -- we'll do this after the Hymn of the Day and Creed.
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