Today was a remarkable day for us: our first Sunday in our new church!
Charles went to the church at 6am to get "in the space," a tradition he has followed since he began in the ministry. It was so quiet, the church at rest, before the energy that is unleased when the congregation arrives.
At 8am, the first service began, and so our time at Sidney, which we have seemingly been waiting for forever, had arrived. We were introduced to the congregation by Ken McMillan, chairman of the Pastor-Parish Relations Committe (PPRC), and we were presented a prayer shawl by Marilee Rowan, Julie Armbruster and Bea Dinkel.
There were 71 at the early service and 130 at the 10:00 service. It was so exciting; a lot was accomplished at these first services. The reaction to our use of the NUTS acronym (Never Underestimate the Spirit) was really good. We distributed festive bags that Belinda had filled yesterday with a variety of nuts to symbolize the types of people - salty, sweet, in shells, exotic nuts and so on, that make up the church community. It was fun hearing people talk after the services, wondering what sort of nut they are!
In between the two services and after the second service, there was cake and coffee to be shared. The cake was huge! The warmth of this congregation is so terrific. We are so grateful that God led us home to Sidney, Nebraska!
After the second service, the Brown family took our intention to be involved in the community life to heart. It was their son Kevin who invited us to his seventh birthday party in the park tonight. (He wore a special "birthday boy" button/badge. Pastor Charles was impressed with that!) We shared pizza and cupcakes with five other cub scouts, sister Samantha, and parents Scott and Carrie. It was so much fun watching the children enjoying the surroundings, and the water balloons "war" was enjoyed by all.
This first "official" week here in Sidney promises to be a busy one! Praise be to God!!!
Charles went to the church at 6am to get "in the space," a tradition he has followed since he began in the ministry. It was so quiet, the church at rest, before the energy that is unleased when the congregation arrives.
At 8am, the first service began, and so our time at Sidney, which we have seemingly been waiting for forever, had arrived. We were introduced to the congregation by Ken McMillan, chairman of the Pastor-Parish Relations Committe (PPRC), and we were presented a prayer shawl by Marilee Rowan, Julie Armbruster and Bea Dinkel.
There were 71 at the early service and 130 at the 10:00 service. It was so exciting; a lot was accomplished at these first services. The reaction to our use of the NUTS acronym (Never Underestimate the Spirit) was really good. We distributed festive bags that Belinda had filled yesterday with a variety of nuts to symbolize the types of people - salty, sweet, in shells, exotic nuts and so on, that make up the church community. It was fun hearing people talk after the services, wondering what sort of nut they are!
In between the two services and after the second service, there was cake and coffee to be shared. The cake was huge! The warmth of this congregation is so terrific. We are so grateful that God led us home to Sidney, Nebraska!
After the second service, the Brown family took our intention to be involved in the community life to heart. It was their son Kevin who invited us to his seventh birthday party in the park tonight. (He wore a special "birthday boy" button/badge. Pastor Charles was impressed with that!) We shared pizza and cupcakes with five other cub scouts, sister Samantha, and parents Scott and Carrie. It was so much fun watching the children enjoying the surroundings, and the water balloons "war" was enjoyed by all.
This first "official" week here in Sidney promises to be a busy one! Praise be to God!!!
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