We were excited to use the Gateway Grizzlies tickets Ruby earned though the library summer reading program. At the end of the baseball game, all men who were interested, were invited to take a chance and dig for the remote to a new 52 inch plasma flat screen TV. The remote was buried somewhere in … Read more
Joan has been going to lead music for a nursing home in Aliceville, AL every morning for twelve years. We had the opportunity to travel with this lady to provide music last week. On this particular morning, after we had sung several songs, Joan asked one of the residents who had come down … Read more
The last time I was at a square dance was sixth grade until last night. The camp we were at had one and everyone participated. It started with simple group circle dances and then began to get more complicated. Ruby loved it. Suzanne loved it. And I loved it until Macy got startled by one … Read more
I am not sure the official name of this little thing, but it’s something I purchased while we were in Taiwan. It’s a very common site to see a “waving cat” in businesses, entrances to stores, etc. It was definately a conversation piece. Some people say the cat is just welcoming people. Others say, the … Read more
Typically, adult leaders and volunteers register and pay to attend camp with their students. It’s quite a sacrifice – pay to hang around with kids, work hard, sleep little and go 17 hours a day. But toward the end of last week’s camp, each adult was handed a bank envelope with a label on it. … Read more
When the official pastor / leader of the church is at camp for the week (or even a couple days) a tremendous amount of life is infused. Summer camp provides a huge foundation for faith formation in the lives of children and youth. Having the church leader at camp 1) gives the pastor insight into … Read more
We led worship for a weekend family camp that concluded in communion during the last service. Each person was invited to come as the pastors placed the bread into their hands. The Harvest projector and computer were set up displaying the large cross that we have used as a standard picture since 2002. As I … Read more
We had the privilege of leading the chapel service for the youth of the Chaddock Children’s Home in Quincy, IL last night. This premiere institution is known nationally for it’s specific programs and treatments for troubled kids. As we listened to stories of the lives of the students, I began feeling blessed that I had … Read more
The summer has begun. And once again, it’s been a privilege for the Harvest 2010 Summer Team to prepare at Troy UMC in Troy, IL. We spent the week working on music, dramas, and other aspects of leadership at the church. In addition to being in the building all week, we were also the recipients of wonderful … Read more
At a recent seminar I attended, the speaker talked about three reasons why volunteers are connected in a ministry role: 1) Obligation 2) Opportunity 3) Ownership The thought was intriguing to me. Obligation isn’t bad. In fact, the reason we are in ministry is because we are so grateful for Christ and what he … Read more