Archive for Bill & Sue's Journal
Tuesday afternoon, April 13, 2004
Wow, it’s been a while since I’ve done a journal entry. My desk is relatively clear for a change, with only a couple bills to be paid and some books to help with sermon preparation. Quite a contrast to what it’s been during the past couple months. Not that there isn’t less work to do, just less of a mess.
Back on Friday, April 2, we had the couples’ night out with dinner at church. The theme of the evening was the sea and Sue made aquarium centerpieces and other decorations with a marine theme. The evening was a success. There were fifteen couples out for a delicious meal, a couple games and fellowship, and a devotional of how our lives should be like beacons to guide each other in this dark world. I’d prepared another study, but showing it to Sue and Ben, it was pointed out that it had nothing to do with the theme so that morning I came up with something that related to the sea. Six of our young people did an excellent job of serving the tables. It’s great that we have the space to do an event at church and all the facilities now to do it. What a tremendous help were the new stove and refrigerator (given by the Cornerstone team). Everyone had such a good time that they want to do it again. Who knows-– fondue was suggested for Valentine’s Day in June with cooler weather.
The following night, we had a churrasco (barbecue) as a farewell for one of the guys from our young peoples’ group who was leaving on an exchange program to Germany. There were twenty-five of his friends out for that event. We’ll miss him, his great attitude and the contribution he made to our group, but try to remember that it’s only for a year.
The past two Sundays we left our study in James to have special services for Palm Sunday and Easter. This past week especially seemed like a rush of calling people, Sue sewing costumes and rehearsal for our Easter Sunrise service at the botanical garden. It was a beautiful morning in a beautiful place for celebrating the resurrection! We heard different eyewitnesses (Mary Magdalene, John, and two disciples from Emmaus to name a few) telling of the things they saw that morning and their encounter with Jesus after His resurrection. Both the presentations and the music were really special, and involved several folks that don’t usually take part in front. Our service in the evening also included several God-honoring special presentations, and people didn’t even get upset when the computer/power point froze up during the sermon. Thankfully, Guto, our computer-wiz, was there to resolve the situation as the pastor continued on with the message.
We are now back to a more regular routine now. Last night was small group Bible study. Sue and Ben are at Gilgal rehab for classes this afternoon. We now have nine people involved with discipleship program each week. There is another small group Bible study starting on Thursday night at one home, and regular Thursday prayer meeting at our house. One neat thing is that two of the girls saved through the Cornerstone University team ministry are now part of our youth group on Saturdays. Sundays we are back to studies in James. We’ve started preparing for May events-– a Mother’s Day tea and the following Sunday, the church’s 3rd anniversary.
Right now I think I’ll close and go see if there’s any chocolate Easter egg left around the house. (I know there are four big ones in the ‘frig that should be sent to our kids, but they’re so far away and don’t really need chocolate…) Tchau!
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