• I had fun being a substitute in the Handbell Choir at 8:45. They are planning to play once a month–and it’s beautiful stuff. I was disappointed in myself because I played a lot better in the rehearsal than I did in the service. Sue Brese reminded me that for the most part people listening just don’t notice the mistakes. Grace.
  • It was also fun to hear Mike Van Der Puy’s trumpet (did he also play at 5:30?). And I love the red Reformation paraments (paraments are those colored fabric art pieces that get changed around on the altar when the seasons of the church year change).
  • The Kingdom Quest Large Group team used flash paper as part of the drama today (Gideon’s torch). O MY! The flame leapt so high. The kids loved it! As Cathy Mongielo said in an email tonight: “Thanking God that I still have eyebrows”.  Wendy Morris, who is the up front leader during Large Group time and I were talking about the great give and take the kids give during the Large Group teaching these days. They are really engaged. I was blown away when Wendy asked, “How do we get God’s power, anyway?” and Andrew answered, “The Holy Spirit.” Wow.
  • Writing Monday morning, now: Joyce Benzler told me she picked up some Honey Crisp apples at Budwey’s yesterday as a result of the Children’s Message. :-) I’m also giving one to Kathy Figini who says she loves Golden Delicious apples but can never find them. I bet she’ll love a Honey Crisp!
  • I LOVED the drama about Pride. Karen Cassidy writes some really great stuff and I thought the actors did a great job, too. Joe Zimmerman is one creepy Satan. It helped me see how many different voices pride can take. Pride really gets us stuck.
  • I so appreciated all the sellers of things being willing to go with our new plan of keeping the selling out of the lobby. It just feels a lot better to me to have that space available for connecting with people. Even our Thrivent branch was willing to make the switch.
  • My brother Eric sent me a text saying he was glad the Bills lost because it helped him in his fantasy football league. Nice brother.
  • I forgot to talk to Jason about Ohio State on Saturday night–bad loss. Now I can combine with a conversation about the Browns good win. :-) Can’t remember how the Saints game came out.
  • Preschool still needs some prayer partners. What’s needed now is people to pray for our awesome staff. They’re here daily sharing God’s Word with the children and families. Comment below and we’ll get you connected.
  • Here’s what I noticed about the Craft Show: it’s a great day to connect with people coming through the building. I noticed Pastor Chuck having some great conversations with people–some I hadn’t seen here in a long, long time. There’s money that gets made and a mission that gets lifted up and conversations that get had…great work by Kim Taylor and all those who helped.