Sunday

 

It's also known as the first day of the week as you all know without me saying anything.  So, after a time here at home we were off to church just a tad bit early.  We delivered the bees wax candles with the black wicks removed ready for another burn whatever the occasion may be.  There was a great chance to talk to people about all that needs to be talked about before the service.  I love to do that. Then it was 11 o'clock and time for the worship service.  The theme for the morning centered around our annual health and healing Sunday with Jill preaching and a service of prayer and oil.  It's always a teary time for me and today was no exception.  Realities about life come at me 1000 miles an hour.  Almost too much to deal with but that's the reality of life.  

The smaller six- and seven-year-old children sang a wonderful anthem at the beginning of the service. Two children had solo parts.  Their grandparents are members of the Cathedral Sings and are long-time friends, both couples being at North almost as long as we have.  

To be a Child of God by A. Pote                                                                                                            What a wonder it is to be a child of God, who hears the prayers of his children.  When I think of the colors of creation, the birds of the air, the fish of the sea. The mountains, oceans, the moon and the stars, I marvel at this world.  But the miracle that fascinates me most, a thought more precious than words, is the God who created and still is creating, loves me--for who I am.  I sing because I'm happy, I sing because I'm free, His eye is on the sparrow, and I know he watches me.  

Seeds are being planted through music.

The Cathedral singers sang, and the Cathedral ringers played.  

When church was over, Kathy, Heidi and I headed to the room over Darren's office called the attic.  We identified things that would be needed to decorate for Advent and Christmas tide. Next Sunday the youth will once again bring all of the identified items down many steps to the first level of the church as they have done for years.  Then the next Sunday on the calendar, the Sunday before Thanksgiving after the service the nativities will be unpacked again and placed in many places throughout the church with the help of parishioners.

And the Monday after that Sunday, the finishing touches will be added with another deadline being met with all in place for the first Sunday of Advent November 30th. The labor pains of getting to the 30th is a bit like childbirth.  Not quite but there are similarities.

Following that Monday, on Tuesday, Doug and I will leave for another Thanksgiving in Georgia with family. We'll, miss Rick this year.  Celebrating with friends in Dallas will happen for him. This will be our last long trip.  We have two drivers and take two days to make the trip. Safety is an issue at our age. Decisions like this are difficult to make but they have been made for the year 2026 already. A few months ago, Rick reported to Dee that our Zoom visits would take the place of his Thanksgiving visit.  That was a good choice. I'm happy he was wise enough to make that decision.

Now back to North...This year we are offering three Thursdays in December as well as one Thursday evening when then the church will be open for those who would like to see the nativities but unable to do so on any given Sunday. One of our staff members is creating a nativity scavenger hunt for our visitors. Heidi and I will be the primary greeters for our Thursday offerings. It would be great to add a few more folks to the workers team.

So, the December happenings are beginning to start again in November.  Forward thinking preparation is the key word. 

A lot of football finished off today.  The Colts win continue to add up on the plus side.  That's a very good thing.  

And now back to knitting and evening entertainment.