Tonight we attended the town's "Newcomers Picnic" down at the town park. It was a lovely night; we had a beautiful breeze. We enjoyed good food and fellowship. They had some wonderful entertainment. Two fellows with amazing singing voices blessed us with their musical offerings. We met some great folks who, like us, had arrived sometime within the last 18 months.
Afterwards, we walked down to the gazebo in the park, where we participated in the "Night of Hope" observance. Pastor Charles gave the opening and closing prayers. We lit two luminaries (bags with a light in each one): One light honored those surviving with cancer, and the other light honored the memory of those who have fought the disease. Some folks gave their testimonies about what it means to be involved in this wonderful support group. There was a woman who sang so beautifully, and her musician friend played the keyboard really well. Their music added a real festive flair to the evening.
Each year, the group facilitates the walk to raise awareness and to raise funds for the research to find a cure. (Each year except this one, that is, since the Cattlemen's Ball at the beginning of the summer raised a huge amount of money for cancer research within the state of Nebraska.)
It is a really worthwhile effort! It was such a joy to spend time with folks who genuinely care about the health and well being of their neighbors and friends.
Praise be to God for people who volunteer their time, energy and passionate commitment to being in service to others!
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Pastor Charles' Opening Prayer...
Holy God,
You are the source of our life.
We thank you that we have this day to remember the joy that comes from sharing the gift of life.
We thank you also for those who care for us when we are ill, for those who love us when we feel unlovable and for each new day we are given to share the love we have been given.
We ask for Your blessing on this night and on this fellowship.
Surrounded by Your love, we pray.
Amen.
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Pastor Charles' Closing Prayer...
Loving God,
Grant that we never forget what we have shared this night. In our journey through this life, we are blessed with people such as those with whom we have shared this celebration. We leave here, having been touched by others.
It is our hope that our lives would reflect the spirit of community that we have experienced tonight and that, in the days to come, others may know that there is hope in abundance.
In Your hopeful name,
Amen.
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