Three Memorials and a Shopping Spree

I'm not sure what to say after a week like this. It's definitely more work to go home (GP) than it is to stay in Newport. Our week of memorials began last Sunday with the one here and ended Saturday with my brother-in-laws. But in between was a memorial for 3 little girls killed in a tragic fire during a sleep-over. Two of the girls were in our Kids Klub (one had graduated on to the middle school program after we left) when we were involved. It was an extremely sad situation. Their memorial was Friday. By the way, I wasn't involved in either of the the last two memorials. Joyce and I just attended.

While we were home we spent the better part of three days helping an elderly friend spend her money. Actually here is what happened: she is in an assisted living and is on medicaid which means she can only have so much money in her account. Well, she received a large back payment from the VA. This would kick her out of the program until the money was gone so we had permission from her case worker to "make it go away" before it triggered bureaucratic alarms. We helped her purchase a nice pre-burial plan, a new sewing machine, and some new furniture for her room. That took a lot of time but she is such a sweetheart that it is always a pleasure to help her.

We found things going well here at Agate Beach -- I think. We only had 14 people in church, but there were 9 regulars who were absent -- work, illness, visiting sick relatives, and other reasons unknown to me. So I have to keep reminding myself that my calling is to be faithful. If the people here want to have a strong church they will have to be the ones to step up and make it happen. I will help them all I can but I have to have warm bodies to help. Well, the next two weeks we will be gearing up for Easter. There's a lot to do. Remember us.

Whew! What a Week!

This was a great day. I even got a short Sunday afternoon nap. But on both sides of that were lots of good things. But I need to start earlier in the week. On Wednesday I got a phone call telling me that the husband of a lady who used to attend our church had died that morning. Some people from the church had good contact with her and I talked to her about 4 times on the phone. In this case, it didn't seem appropriate to go visit. The church people sent cards and took in food and tried to show her a lot of love. As a result she decided to have her entire family attend church with her (her kids, his kids, his mom, other relatives). During the service I mentioned his passing, that he was a baby Christian, and read part of Psalm 40 in his memory. Then the ladies gathered around her and we prayed for her and her family. I think they felt the love. About 4 weeks ago I invited a representative of the Gideons to be our speaker so they heard someone preach other than me. So we had 31 people present. Sure was nice. Too bad most of them live elsewhere.

Then at 3:00 this lady had a "remembrance time" for her husband at a community clubhouse near their home. So I went to that. At 4:00 a missionary couple spoke at the church about missions. And we had a potluck dinner associated with that. About 17 people came. I thought that was a good group.

Saturday was the Annual Blessing of the Fleet and Memorial Service. Joyce and went down to the waterfront and found a place where we could watch the boats passing by the Coast Guard boat to be blessed by local clergy. The CG boat is the second one from the left in the picture. The memorial service was for fishermen who had died in the past year -- and to remember those who had died at sea in years past. A men's group sang, we all sang "Amazing Grace," we prayed and I gave a short meditation on God's comfort. I thought it was a privilege to be included. That evening Joyce and I went to the Seafood Cook-off. About 20 teams were vying to make the best seafood dish. Everyone made something different. I ate lots and lots of lots. It sure was good!

Now we are ready to go to Grants Pass. Yes, we are changing our routine a little. We are leaving tomorrow (Monday) and won't be back until Saturday. That will give us 2 weeks when we got back to prepare for Easter.

Oh, yes it's raining! But... Friday was beeeeeoootiful! Joyce and walked on the beach and explored the Nye Beach area. First time I've been outdoors without a coat since we got here!!! Spring is coming. Yes!

Yes, It's Good

Just wanted to let you know we are still smiling. This picture was taken by Jack Delamarter when they visited a week ago. I think we're having too much fun!!!!

It seems I say the same thing each week, but it's true -- we had a great day of worship. Present were 4 people who were not in attendance the end of November. The spirit is good and people are wanting to move forward. Even with the time change, only one person arrived just in time to hear the final prayer. This was a lady new to the church and she stayed for the fellowship afterward -- and for the leadership meeting. The leadership is united and determined for our church to make an impact in our community. We are talking about entering a float in a parade that will happen in May. More about this later as it develops but it holds promise to be a very positive, fun, and inspiring time (probably a lot of work, too!).

This coming Saturday (the 17) is the Annual Blessing of the Fleet and Seafood Festival. As part of this event there is a short memorial service for fishermen who have been lost at sea. I am going to be the speaker at the memorial -- apparently the newby gets this distinction each year. My part is supposed to be verrrrry short -- like 10 minutes. So I am practicing being concise!

Tomorrow, Tuesday, and Wednesday are the days they will air the Jeopardy shows that Jana and I went to. I'd be more excited about saying... "be sure to watch," except they are showing very few audience shots lately. Maybe they will change their minds and show a little when they realize what good looking people they have in the audience. Hummm... suppose? Jana and I are sitting in the front row next to a center aisle -- if they happen to show us.

Well, keep up the good work. You are doing a good job. We appreciate your encouragement.

Beautiful Days at the Coast

It has been a beautiful 2 days. In every way. We returned to Newport in the rain. Our week in Grants Pass was busy, busy, busy. Just not enough time in 4 days. But Saturday was gorgeous. Joyce and I went out in the afternoon and did a little of our survey. We met 8 neighbors and found 8 not at home. Our conversations were delightful -- except for one. The guy who lives right across the street from us was very nice, polite, and profane. I'm not sure if he was trying to impress the "church people" with his knowledge of the human body or if he has other problems. But all in all, the visiting was good.

Today was another beautiful day. And so was our worship. Jack and Verna Delamarter, my senior pastor in Newberg, and their daughter and son-in-law came to visit. It was so great to see them again. There were 3 other visitors who were staying in a condo in Lincoln City plus 2 other people who live locally. Also a couple who attended previously but have been snow-birding in Arizona were here. All totaled: 24! It sure made the singing and general atmosphere a lot fuller. It was just simply a good worship time, good fellowship, good sermon. (Well, I thought so anyway!)

And now we have a big week ahead of us. Some visiting to do. Some work on the parsonage to do.


Thought you might like to see this pic of our worship center. This was taken the night of the buffet. Joyce, Mike, and JoAnn are in the picture plus one of the visitors. It's a really nice and comfortable room. If we only had chairs instead of pews we could be more creative but, oh well. Imagine all those seats filled with people... Thank you. Now hold that thought.

What a Great Hawaiian Buffet

This is a good looking group, huh? On Friday evening our fellowship area was turned into a Hawaiian Buffet. The ladies worked real hard to decorate (some decorations were borrowed from Grants Pass), people brought "Hawaiian" food, and we all provided the entertainment. Well, some did -- it was doing the limbo and the hula! Even if it was cold and rainy some of us wore our Hawaiian garb and the whole evening was a lot of fun. There were 25 in attendance, including our friends, Mike and JoAnn, from Grants Pass.

And speaking of them, it was loads of fun to have Mike and JoAnn visit for the weekend. We did a bunch of tourist things and talked a lot. Just fun to get together. Sunday afternoon, we all left for Grants Pass together. Mike drove our car, JoAnn drove the van, and I drove the pickup. The purpose of all of this was to get the pickup to Grants Pass and leave it there until we need it to move our stuff back. When we got to the freeway we departed company and Joyce and I went to Salem. Remember Will and Anna, my nephew and wife who live in Anchorage? Well, they were down for a wedding so we met them at his nephew's house in Salem. There were a bunch of relatives there, we talked fast, and got to visit for a little bit.

Our drive home --Grants Pass home -- was fraught with rain, sleet, and snow. After we got home we found out they closed the freeway at Sexton summit about an hour after we passed. When we went over it was a perfect evening! I guess it deteriorated real quick. It snowed here last night and again this afternoon but it is too warm to stick. It's nice to believe that spring is coming!

Sunday was a fun/serious day. I think worship should always be fun. But it also contains serious things. Sunday we introduced a new focus on missions and the missionaries our Conference supports. We also began an emphasis on "40 Days of Prayer and Fasting." This is the traditional Lenten period and I suggested we give God a portion of ourselves such as food for a period of time, or a food item, or something else that represents a sacrifice. Then we ask God to give us something -- maybe a special blessing, a closer relationship with Him, or what might commonly be called a miracle. I think this holds promise of being a very important 40 days in the life of our church.

Hey! Did you see us on TV? You had to look quick but you could see Joyce and I in the audience on Wheel of Fortune tonight. There were a couple "pans" across us and also some from behind. Watch Tuesday and Wednesday because they taped 3 shows while we were there. The Jeopardy shows will be on later in March. I'll let you know.

Friday we head back home -- Agate Beach home. I'm looking forward to Sunday. I think it will be a good day.

PS - Wheel of Fortune

I almost forgot. Be sure to watch Wheel of Fortune next Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday (26, 27, 28). Joyce and I are sitting in the 3rd row near the center. They pan the audience very quickly so don't blink!

Maybe It's The Rainy Season

It's raining -- good old Oregon coast weather. We had a great time with Beth and Doris last week. Didn't do much, but still a good time. Our worship times are good with a lively spirit but the attendance is staying about the same. The visitors from a week ago were not back. I think it will take some very special people -- maybe people the Lord sends -- to catch the vision of building up a church and stay with us. The surveys are going slowly -- partly because of the weather and partly because of the hesitation to knock on a stranger's door and ask them a few questions. But we'll get some of them done. I'm looking forward to the Hawaiian Buffet this coming Friday. It will be a lot of fun. We'll wear Hawaiian clothes even if we have to wear thermal underwear under them! It is also an event that we can invite visitors to. Hopefully we will.

Tax time will be coming soon so I'm gathering all the necessary paperwork together. The dining table is covered so I better get back to clearing it off. Take care and keep praying.

Settling In?

It has been a good week. Beautiful weather -- a little rain, but still beautiful at the Oregon coast. I was struck the other day by the though (not a new one!) that is never "just rains" on the coast. It seems it is always accompanied by wind so the weather is either "nice" or "stormy." And it can change in an instant. I'm beginning to like it (that's dangerous!!!).

Illness has struck so our attendance was down. However we had a visitor yesterday who talked as if she will return. The "survey" forms, maps, popcorn, and instructions were ready for people to take yesterday. They will use these to find out people's needs and interests. The popcorn? Packages of microwave popcorn with a sticker that says, "Pop on over. Agate Beach Community Church" -- and the address. All the surveyors got a sample and were asked to buy their own popcorn and put the stickers we supplied on them. We will see how it goes.

Sisters Beth and Doris are coming today and planning to stay about 3 days. However, Joyce and I have to go to Salem tomorrow. Joyce will do laundry at Ginger's and I have a meeting at the Conference office. Beth and Doris know that and will just hang out until we get back.

This morning I hung up a bird feeder so Joyce can watch the birds. Seems like we are settling in, doesn't it? Well, gotta go. Am meeting a guy at the church to work on the projector system -- see if we can make it function a little better.