here it is, Monday, and I didn't get to celebrate it very well. Ended up at the office all day - but for good reason. Have a memorial service tomorrow for a dear 78 yr old member, Marion, who was just a quiet yet faithful member; would always be there whenever anything was happening at PoP. Her son and his wife and daughter had to cut short a sabbatical (works for Intel) in Europe, but got to see Paris and Rome before they left. Marion even walked to church a week ago Sunday (in the rain - perhaps 2-3 blocks), 'cuz that's the way she was. She died last Wednesday; kids got back Friday, service tomorrow ... but will certainly be a service of joy and thanksgiving! She'll be buried back in Saginaw later this week. With John 14 as a direction the service theme will be "Being Where Jesus Is". had some wonderful visits with the family in preparation for the service. Wednesday they all head to MI as well.
The yard is looking wonderful! Have some great (I think) pictures to share this time. All but two are outdoorsy ones. The cross (carved by a woodworker here at PoP) was a farewell gift to our School director as she took a call to another parish in the city. He uses mahogany for its ease of carving; Jeff (Family Life Minister) drew out the graphic - I thought of the verse ... truly a team effort. But we are now using the same kind of cross for our baptisms - last Sunday was the first as one was presented to baby Aoifa (Irish name). The baptism crosses are being carved with the words, "Jesus loves ____" by an eighth grader who loves workworking as well. I had him present the cross to the family. I do like 'inter-generational' activities! Helps us all understand Vibrant Faith principles a little better (passing on faith from one generation to the next).
The 'plaque' picture was in a lavatory at the golf course. If you can blow it up, you'll see it's kinda cute...
Then comes the back yard pics; the lush marionberry vine - and the berries are GREAT this year - still many pickings left; also picked peas - they're not quitting either. the picture of the old farmer holding the berry is there just to show I'm still kickin'! And for the MidWestern folks who have no idea, Karina is holding a MARGARITA bucket! 3 quarts. Have filled a couple of them already and the berries are in the freezer - waiting to be jammed! Yum, Yum! The pergola was just casting some nice shadows - plus you can see how clean it looks, now that it's painted; and the butterfly on the butterfly bush was a special treat - Karina took about 20 pictures and they all looked as gorgeous as these.
Have been planning Confirmation themes and lessons with Jeff - what a treat to share the ministry here! He is so creative, and truly a servant-leader as well. The Lord has truly blessed us with Jeff. Pray that their home in Seattle sells - they got it on the market about two week ago; can't think of buying here until the other one sells ... been there done that before!
Had several comments on last Sunday's sermon (now posted) ... perhaps people are getting older and thinking about death, or they liked the last story ... either way, 'God Surprises' us in so many ways. The 15 minute hymn-sing (pre-service) began with about a dozen and a half; how about that? Had one visitor, Glenn, whom I hadn't seen for about 10-12 years. He retired from the District office several years ago, and made his way over just to say Hi. We (Lin and I and several others) led "Worship Workshops" all over the District about 15 years ago; they were a real blessing and well-received by so many congregations (for congregations who wanted to adapt worship opportunities to meet hearers needs...). Anyway, good to see him; also had the first pastor of PoP, Arnie Steinbeck (he preached for our 50th anniversary) as well, lives down around Medford, still has some family up here - always a treat to have such special guests. Plus installed our new/returning congregational leaders - was a busy worship hour!
I think that's about it for now. Have a great week, everybody.
Love ya,
K and D
The backyard is lookin' good....especially those marionberries! The pergola looks great. The fleurs are fleurishing :) Things seem to be on the up and up in the weird city of Portland.
ReplyDeleteMeanwhile, back here in the sticks, we are sweltering much of the time. Humid days with bright sun. We try not to complain, but sometimes it is just pops out of our mouths. We are such a fickle bunch of Iowans.
We are -2 in the sermon listening arena. That will be taken care of soon - maybe tomorrow as we work with drywall! Yah, you thought we were ALL done w/ that stuff - did't cha?
The carved cross and inter generational aspects of your ministry are very warming. How neat that a young person is doing the carving and presentations!
I cannot comment on the plaque, although I think I heard your brother snicker when I read it to him.
Dat's it...you're doin' SWELL with this whole blogging thing. I hope your children are enjoying your blog. Just think - you got started a little over 1 year ago...and then after a gallant and brave beginning you took a L.O.N.G hiatus...before beginning again in earnest! :)
EXTRA! EXTRA!
ReplyDeletelast night Karina participated in a Providence publicity 'shot' for breast cancer awareness. it was at the Portland Timbers (professional soccer) game. in the video that follows you will find her at 1:15 - until the end; she 4th from the right, white coat, upper deck. goofy glasses. enjoy!
d
http://video-embed.oregonlive.com/services/player/bcpid619299305001?bctid=1081144896001
We watching 'pink-gloved' Karina groove on Oregonlive! Cool venue!
ReplyDeleteWe gazed fondly at the marionberry held by Pastor Dan...and the bushes FULL of ripe and soon to be ripe marionberries.
We now know what a margarita bucket looks like. Tnx for the enlightenment.
We listened to 2 sermons this am (went to Immanuel last night). Now, we wait to see how you dealt with the 5 loaves and 2 fish. Email coming your way post-haste!
It is HOT and HUMID in your homeland. More indoor time than outdoor...for us. No drywall work either!