It was in June of 2006 we met Pastor Dan. We were arranging a funeral for Bruce's dad and we didn't really have a preacher to perform the services. The funeral director suggested Dan. He came to the house, and he and I both realized we met before... I served him several times when I worked at the Appalacian Restaurant some 10 or 12 years ago. He then was in the Insurance business and he also belonged to the Rotary Club which met there for their meetings over lunch. Mom fell in love with him and decided we should attend his church on Sundays. We did every chance we had when mom felt strong enough to go. Last summer, Ellen and Rocky, Sister n Brother-in-law, and even Devon n her twins, niece and girls, came to our church every chance they got and fell in love with everything about it. It's quaint and "personable". And the people are really sweet.
Well, since that time in our life, we lost Bruce's mom from COPD, and his sister, Ellen from breast cancer. With a total of 6 people we know and love, we are numb to the fact that they have all passed within the last almost 2 years. As we get older and people passing, makes us ponder our own mortality.
Mom asked that we continue to go to Dan's church and we have. Which brings me to my great news. A few weeks ago Pastor Dan called me. He reminded me that I expressed an interest in joining his church. He said he was having a class for those who wish to join. We were still snowed in then and couldn't get out so we missed the first class and couldn't go to church either. We melted and went to the 2 remaining classes. There were about 10 of us and he helped us to understand the ways of the Methodist Church. Then we, as a group, will get affirmed, reaffirmed or baptized into the Methodist church. Because Bruce n I were baptized before, we didn't need to be again.
On Easter Sunday, our class gathered in front of the church and congregation affirming our vows and being anointed. Wow! What a wonderful feeling to be dedicated to the church on such a special day! Our daughter, Peggy, wanted to be there but was unable to attend. Our daughters, Angela and Lynn, came with their families and witnessed this poinient event. It touched me so much that I was crying as Pastor Dan finished the service. I was thinking of mom and felt her arms around us both. Things like this are really, very important to me and I love sharing these times with my family. We were given certificates and had to stand in a welcoming line as people greeted us and welcomed us into their church.
We already grew fond of a few members. Bonnie, the organist, and the Choir members have asked me to join the choir. I'm not one for being obligated to do something or be somewhere but the more I think about it, the more I think I may join. I know I want to bring in fresh ideas to events we'll have from time to time. Bruce can cook.. I mean he really can cook and bake just as well, if not more than me. We were always taught that women were meant to do the cooking n such but my honey spoils me; I like to think I deserve it! heheheee. Anyway, I wanted to share this with you because it really moved me. What is the most touching and most important thing to me through all this is the fact that my honey comes to church with me and doesn't mind it. We like it! We get our blessings each Sunday! He feels comfortable and likes Pastor Dan. They are all so warm and sincere.
ThanQ Mom, We truly love you!
Laverne & Shirley
As you can see there aren't any pictures of that Easter Sunday @ church. But I remember a woman taking pictures during our ceremony. I'll ask her if I can get some copies of them. When I do, I will post them.
Peace Be With You And Yours!
