The Party Continues

 The link for this week's live-streamed service is 

more diners than singers

The party started in mid-June and it just went on and on. 

Thursday the choir celebrated the end of term with a very short rehearsal (we only needed to polish one anthem) and then a lovely dinner at Zanzibar Cafe. We ate well!

Sunday we celebrated big-time. First off, we honoured our grads -- two from high school, one from university and one with a post-grad degree. Talk about life-long learning. Congratulations to Will and Quinn and Sarah and Rebekah and Diane. We even got a bonus with Pressley also celebrating her graduation from high school. 

It was Blue Bus Sunday too. Thanks so much to Rick Wismer and his dedication to that ministry. Follow this link for background on the blue bus. Rick shared some good news with the congregation. One of the Reserves that had been on his route had dropped out of the ministry several years ago. They have now asked him to return because he made a difference to the kids. Tales like that keep Rick and his helpers "on the road."

working the grills

As though Sunday wasn't full enough, we also recognized the volunteers in our church. Since that is just about everyone, I won't name names. Suffice it to say that our congregation could not exist without volunteers. Everyone -- from Session to choir, from kitchen to grounds, from pastoral visitors to cleaners -- is a volunteer. 

At a time when all organizations struggle to find helpers -- who will organize kids' sporting events, or community suppers, or meals-on-wheels without volunteers -- our congregation is blessed with many willing hands and stalwart hearts. We're a bit short on strong backs but where there's a will . . .

Table setter-uppers

Instead of our usual coffee hour, we kept the party going with a BBQ. The weather cooperated and we enjoyed sunshine, cloud, gentle breezes and balmy temperatures. 

Gifts for the grads and a special hug from daughter to mother

seconds anyone?

Happy Summer to All.