I love this place...

WOW! $115,000 and still counting!?! What a contribution toward community care! I must admit, I didn't even think we'd come close to the requested $75,000....but we sure did. And I'm SO proud of our elders. Just think of the amount of time and effort! Just think of the courage! Even being the elder's kid I am (and thoroughly "ground in the faith"), I am learning some interesting facts from the Sunday night classes. I never thought about the fact that the Lord's Supper was probably instituted on a Thursday. And suddenly one understands where the Catholic church probably got the "mass everyday" idea (from the early Christians meeting daily). But I must admit, my favorite time for possible communion with anyone would have to be at approximately 2:30 AM Monday morning (esp. if someone just fell out of a window after listening to Bruce for a little too long).

Anyway, it was a great Sunday and I am, quite frankly, just proud of everyone around here. Proud to be a part of a people not scared to ask questions, not scared to study, and not scared to learn. And, by the way, I guarantee that God is not the least bit threatened at our questions either. I'm quite sure He can handle it (and proud we have actively engaged brain cells and not in a hibernation mode... :)).

And guess what! Easter's coming! A time for renewal for ALL His creation !!!!

once a month blogger?

I don't think I've ever heard of a once a month blogger (or longer) but that seems to be the pattern here. The search committee for a worship minister kicks off tonight, and as we list the attritutes and duties...I guess I'm lucky to get to this even occassionally. Sunday was pretty funny (if you have a quirky sense of humor). Terry Gibson just retired and I was bequeathed the communion servers. That means weekly emails, noting all changes as the guys report in that they need a different date or service, etc., and printing out the check- in charts for the communion room. Well unfortunately, there are also the charts that get mailed out monthly; and that's the ones I mistakenly printed out. Chaos in the communion room soon insued. Bruce had to come (graciously) get me out of worship team so I could correct the problem. Then it turned out that the replenishers weren't there to replenish. Somehow between services (after singing and half- monitoring the AV booth) I was supposed to do something with the trays. I go running in, yelling "where's the juice & crackers?" and Russ Barnes (to his credit and sanity) just said, "I'll handle it, Darla". He obviously received a heartfelt "Thank you". Terry, I hope you read this and know you're missed.
As we enter this era of service and being the heart to our community, I hope the above helps reenforce that there is a place for everybody and everybody needs to be in their place. That seems to be the challenge for some....where am I needed and what do I enjoy doing? What am I good at? As you work your way through that and receive Holy Spirit direction, never doubt that you are sincerely and desperately needed. I know church is supposed to be a quiet time for meditation and feeding. But I also know, if you never serve, Sunday will become meaningless...no matter how great the sermon and inspirational the songs. Chances are much stronger that you will drift away...and years later you'll wonder what happened...why you feel empty and in neutral spiritually. So in closing, let me say it again....YOU ARE NEEDED !!!