Last weekend was a difficult one in many respects. We gathered Sabbath afternoon to remember Dorothy Holland and then on Sunday morning we celebrated the life of Fern Tikker. It was comforting to see so many from the community as well as friends from many different places come together to acknowledge a lady who lived life to the fullest. We will miss these women who gave much to their families, the community, and their church. Just a week before we shared similar memories about Clara Anderson. All of these women gave much, but there is something else that these events shared in common.
This church family is so blessed by the number of people who volunteer and make such an incredible difference. There was a lot of extra cleaning done before and after each service. There were many people who were just on hand and available to attend to any little detail that needed attention. We had greeters willing to make sure people had programs and knew where to go. Our whole TV and sound crews were on hand Sunday to make sure that the service could be seen as well as preserved. The families are always burdened with a lot of details in addition to their own loss, but hopefully they could readily see that they were not alone. Each of them was a part of a church that truly cares, loves, and holds their ropes. As always, I was very, very proud of my church family. There simply are not adequate words to express my love and appreciation for each one of you that had any part in ministry through these and countless other events we have shared together. A very special thank you is due to the kitchen crew. All I can think of to say to you ladies is “Thank you and I love you.”
Can we be done with funerals and memorials for a little while now? I am very happy to turn my attention today to a wedding instead as Sandy VanDenburgh and Fred Benson join their lives together. We have known Sandy and her family since 1985 when we moved to Bozeman, Montana where her parents were living. Neither one of us has changed a bit over those years!
I’m sorry that we won’t be able to join the “Old and Listless” group as they gather for a beach party this afternoon. I would truly love to see the swimsuit competition! I am so happy to see a lot of increased social activity for our church and I hear of more coming down the road. I have even heard rumors of a “talent?” show after the first of the year. I think I’ll get one of my old vaudeville acts out and polish it up.
We do have a wonderful day planned for October 20, which will be our Homecoming Sabbath. Please invite some friends to join with you for that day. The Bay Area Men’s Chorus will be providing a mini concert and I am planning a special message for the day. You know there will be an awesome meal provided in the Napa Christian Gym following the service.
I also want to bring your attention to the fact that we will be having the Heritage Singers with us Sabbath evening, November 3 beginning at 5 pm. This is always a delightful program and one that you can, and should, invite friends and neighbors to with confidence.
Today we are focusing our worship on the acknowledgement, affirmation, and ordination of an elder and several deacons. These men have been asked and have agreed to serve in these roles of leadership for our church family. Today we want to dedicate them and offer their service up to God. In the very near future, as soon as we can get a Head Deaconess chosen, I want to have a similar service for our deaconesses. These services are not intended to honor the individuals who have agreed to serve, but rather to ask God’s blessing on their ministries as we present them to Him.
On October 6 we will be having our next communion service and I always look forward to this special time when we have the opportunity to renew our commitment to God and our ties to one another as the body of Christ.
In mid-October I will be starting a series of messages on stewardship. Trust me, this is not going to be simply an emphasis on opening up your wallets. Stewardship is a key part of the gospel and it is part of a much bigger picture than just finances. I hope you will enjoy the “No Guilt Gospel Guide to Giving.”
I can definitely tell that the seasons have changed. As Ingrid and I walked early in the mornings this week the temperatures had dropped and there was literally the smell of autumn in the air. I can also feel the busyness as thoughts turn toward Fall Festivals and the leaves turn their colors on for show. Unfortunately I can also see the stores cranking up for Christmas already and I’m not ready for that. And, of course, for those of us who succumb to sports we have the ending of the baseball season and the early rounds of football. I know that some will think that I shouldn’t be drawn to such things, so pray for me. (And while you’re at it, pray for Seattle!)
And now, I must bid you adieu for another week and ask you to put this letter down so that you can enjoy the worship service and greet the neighbor sitting next to, in front of, or behind you.
We’re glad you’re here to worship with us today. If this is your church home, thank you for making it the warm and wonderful place that it is. If you are visiting, come back and add to our joy.
