It's not too late, do the work!

  April 20 2008 Service -- I skipped to the sermon - Dad was away from The Gathering 40'33" sister does sermon  59' Hymn Take My Hand and Lead Me Father Hello Readers, My family is taking extra time to ponder and support one another as we remember mom deeply as 90 years ago today mom was born and a year ago yesterday, as a friend of mine said, mom changed her address...two important dates only a day apart. In my sister's message I am struck by her explanation of belief. She says it could be stated [paraphrased] you already are believing -- in other words take heart you already are believing that I will be back. Waiting is hard, trusting is hard. My sister mentions how transitions are difficult for all us, (not just toddlers). My two sisters and I met via Zoom last week and easily listed several ways our lives had changed or had been challenge just in the last year. If I choose to cling to my sister's sermon advice I can trust, believe, and know that I already am be...

  April 13 2008 Dad The Gathering hymn Birthday/Anniv by JH? Special Day Song Piano Call to Worship/Prelude Hymn We Gather Together 13'15" Story Around 25' Children Story DM? Prayer Around 40' Sermon JH? Hello Readers, Was my Dad a Nine or a Seven? Was my Mom an Eight? or a Five? at their best together were my parents Mary and Martha Two's?....hmmm I enjoy thinking about them and pondering all the ways they were each of the  Nine Enneagram Types . I recently listened to the  Nine  episode from the Sleeping At Last podcast series. As I've mentioned in more than one Blog over the years this podcast creator, Ryan, wrote a song for each of the Nine types. Ryan posted insights about each personality type along with insights into his song writing process. Throughout the series he mentions numerous times that he identifies as a Nine. For example during the Eight episode Ryan states a need to get in touch with his anger. I enjoy the fact that the Nine types create a c...

  April 6 2008 Service opens with Praise Him Praise Him --dad introduces the members of Guitars Etc: BS is back, sister on flute, JF on violin, and DM on bass Greeting by SL? Prelude violin guitar 8'50" Call to Worship Praise to the Lord  (Congregational Hymn) 12'50 Offering  Offering Hymn - There is a Balm In Gilead 15'46 Doxology Prayer by SL? Children Story Joys and Concerns 31' Dad refers to his membership with PB in the Optimist club and the loss of a member, niece brings up a concern of someone suffering from a stroke/recovery -- goal is to walk into the school Hymn  - Here In This Place 36'45" Prayer April 6 2008 part 2   SL? praying 2'10" Reading from 1 John 5'30 SL? sermon 17' 20" I Sing the Mighty Power of God Hello Readers, I am struck today by my Dad and the confidence he shows as he leads the congregation. I remember when I would visit him during this era - he was committed to this leadership role. He was enthusiastic and...

  March 30 2008 Dad opens with a 'familiar as long as I can remember' song and a little humor -- capturing his humor so well --deflecting in a playful way. 3:09 Mom is worship leader and makes a wonderful offhanded comment about the children hugging, bringing me to tears. Mom's personality and memory had changed a lot in her later years. Hearing her true self was a wonderful unexpected blessing. Mom never thought of herself as a teacher, yet throughout the service, she is doing exactly that - guiding the congregation and leading with care and grace. 6' 15" Birthdays etc. 8'05" organ prelude 10' Call to worship responsive reading and Jesu Joy from Hymnal 14'15" JL scripture reading/offering/organ/Doxology 17'41 JL offering prayer -- followed by children's message  27'30" JL leads Joys and Concerns 29'40" mom gives an update on MM home from hospital and doing well/having painful therapy. 31'45" Hymn introduced ...