The Thanksgiving Eve service was great. Our friend Joann came and played the piano and led the music. We had people share foreign words that meant "thanks" and ways we can show our thanks. They read some scripture I assigned that mentioned being thankful. And... (now get ready for this), we had 39 people present (that included 6 that Joann brought with her) and in that number were representatives from 5 outreach homes on our area. Three were children who expressed an interest in starting a mid-week Kids Klub. So this was a great start to a new outreach in the neighborhood. Did I mention that we are the only church in this area. I'll have to clock how many miles to the next church (back toward downtown Newport) but I suspect 4 miles. Lots of people here to reach.
Sunday we had 17 people with some regular ones missing (holiday travel). Still a good spirit and attitude. We are experimenting with singing along with a CD. We have done it a couple times with choruses and yesterday we did it with a hymn, "Joyful, Joyful We Adore Thee." It went "okay." My concern is that we haven't picked up any "new" people and the old ones who dropped out haven't returned -- after the first couple weeks. But the regulars are very faithful and very positive.
My sister, Beth, is here to visit for the week. We expect to have a good time seeing the sights of Newport and she is helping Joyce with some craft projects. Next Sunday we have a membership meeting after worship -- to elect people to various church positions and engage in a little planning for the future. Then... Joyce and I head for LA and grandkids (gotta stay focused!!).
Weather is typical Oregon coast but we'll go out in it anyway. Blessings.
1 comment:
Greetings Joyce and Gene,
We are thankful that you are our friends - and have been for a very long time.
We look forward to your weekly updates. Very interesting.
Praise God for his goodness and hope eternal! He is bringing forth a harvest, one by one, so don't give up.
We'll pray that those who have wandered away (or just have been gone a couple weeks) will return with loyalty and enthusiasm for the church and for God. I suspect they need a renewal in their spirits and refocus on God.
That was an outstanding turnout for the Thanksgiving eve service.
Well, we have our snow shoes out for this weeks weather. Got about 3" of snow Monday night. It was very slippery with melting ice and then refreezing. Was forcast to snow again tonight but we got good old rain instead. We are pleased!
Enjoy those grandkids and shower them with hugs and kisses. Drive safely and maybe we'll see some photos upon your return?
Love and Blessings,
Bess and Rick
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