Just to let everyone know that the Christmas Countdown has begun. This fine-looking couple (and their equally fine-looking son) will land at the Norfolk airport Friday at 8 p.m. for a ten-day visit. Hooray!
The photos above were taken the night of Meagan’s work Christmas party. I especially love Nathan’s patented “patient smirk” in the photo on the left. And doesn’t my pregnant daughter-in-law just absolutely sparkle? Love them.
When Meagan first posted this picture of Noah on Facebook, I wondered how she had managed to find a picture of Nathan that I had never seen. And then it finally hit me that it wasn’t Nathan! (I’m a little slow.)
This kid had better get himself ready for a bazillion grandma/grandpa/auntie hugs.
One of our favorite Roanoke Island events is our annual Community Thanksgiving Service. This year, it was our turn to host and we had a full house, in addition to people in the balcony.
Right before the service started, I got this picture of pastors from seven different churches joining hands and praying.
It seems like so often, the only church stories that get any airtime are the ones where pastors compete, congregations split and church members fight.
Not here!
Pastor Roger Barnett from the Church of God of Prophecy opened the service.
His son, Eric Barnett, spoke later in the service.
Our worship team led in some songs . . .
and then we all got to enjoy the variety of music that followed.
This is Pastor Frank Lassen from Source Church; he’s one of our favorite people.
I think that what he (and his associate pastor, Rob Flowers) need is just a teeny bit more energy!
I’m hoping Steve will get a pair of pink tennis shoes for next Sunday!
The pastor that followed Frank and Rob was from Manteo Baptist Church, where (needless to say) there are not many pink tennis shoes and not much rap music in their services.
But I really love the way our pastors on the island accept each others’ differences with love, respect and a sense of humor. When Pastor Ken got up to speak he said, “Well, Pastor Frank and Rob just stole my thunder. My associate pastor and I have been working on that same song the whole year and now we can’t perform it because they already did it.”
That got a good laugh.
Pastor Ray Hill from Haven Creek Baptist read a scripture . . .
and the sweetest little girls from his church’s dance team performed.
Our youth pastor, Mary Ann Sherwood, put together a song/dance that some of our girls did with her–including one particular girl that I especially love.
Rev. John Check, the pastor from Mt. Olivet Methodist Church brought the sermon for the evening; when he was done, he called forward Jeremiah Fjeld from Source Church. Jeremiah, his wife and 1-year old son are going to Costa Rica for a year to work with an organization that is reaching out to girls in the sex exploitation industry.
If you happen to be looking for a place to invest an end-of-the-year gift, I can’t think of any better place to invest your money than by supporting the Fjeld family. You can email me for details at smithellaneous@yahoo.com
So there you have it! A Thanksgiving service where people from seven different congregations erased denominational, racial and cultural lines as they danced, laughed, sang, prayed and worshiped together..
Truly a taste of heaven on earth.
Hey Becky, I hope you and yours has a very Merry Christmas and a Happy Znew Year! Love all the pics. Enjoy your kids and grandson!! Congrats in the new one coming!! Merry Christmas!!
Catherine,
Merry Christmas to your sweet family, as well!
Enjoy your time with your little one, I can just picture him chasing seagulls on the beach and eating sand! I know it not beach weather but a day at the beach is better than a month in town.
CeCe,
“A day at the beach is better than a month in town.” That sounds like something that needs to be on a t-shirt or a poster! 🙂
Wow – seeing all those pastors praying together gave me goose pimples (duck bumps) – God bless each one of them in their respective churches.
Sharyn,
Yes, we are so blessed to have pastors that support each other and cheer each other on!
The service looks like it was alot of work and by the pictures, also a lot of fun. For some reason, my computer would not load the pictures of Nathan’s family. I will have to try from home and see what happens. Maybe this computer realizes that I am not actually working right now!! 🙂
Mel,
Those computers are pretty smart–I bet that’s what happened!
So many things to comment on here. First of all thank you for sharing with us the thanksgiving service. I really enjoy seeing all the different varieties of pastors, the best part being that everyone accepts, with humor, the different styles. So terrific.
I noticed the pink sneakers right away and laughed when you mentioned them, yes Steve needs a pair!
It must be so poignant to see Sarah up on stage performing. Really, how do you keep from bursting out in song??
The last thing, it is so wonderful that you and Steve are able to use your musical talents to encourage and inspire others. Perfection, actually. God driven.
OK, one more last thing, ha! Have a wonderful time with all of your family this Christmas season. Noah is at an age where I wonder what he will do with the Christmas tree!! LOL. And he can help make cookies! Great times all around.
Merry Christmas Becky.
Lesley,
You are so sweet to take the time to leave such well thought out (and thoughtful) comments. Thank you for doing that so frequently.
As far as Noah and the Christmas tree goes, we are going to have to decorate a little differently this year. 🙂
And yes, I am so proud of Sarah when she is up on the stage performing. Love watching her!
That looks like a wonderful service! I love that so many churches and people were involved. Truly a community event.
Careful, careful not to squeeze the stuffing right out of that sweet, sweet baby boy!! (Or his parents) 🙂 Enjoy their visit. I’ll be looking forward to the pictures. All of them. All eleventy-billion of them.
LeeAnne,
Eleventy-billion photos? You know me so well. 🙂
Wow!!! Meagan is expecting again?!!!! What wonderful happy news!! Congratulations. I have a feeling it’s a girl, so it’s probably a boy (based on my baby predicting track record, which is far less than the 50% accuracy rate one would expect).
The church service looks lovely. I love how peace infuses the way you live your life, from inviting Dare guys for Thanksgiving to collaborating instead of competing with other churches
I’m having an unwell day and sitting in a lab about to get a blood test and your post has cheered me up and put a smile on my face!! Blessings!!
Jenna,
So happy to know the blog put a smile on your face. I know from experience that sitting in a lab for a blood test is NOT a fun way to spend one’s time.
And we’re quite excited about welcoming grand baby number 2 next summer. Hugs to you and hoping you’re feeling better today.
terrific Thanksgiving service!!!!
Mrs.Pam,
Terrific, indeed. We loved it!
Megan and Nathan are expecting? When is the due date? Congratulations Grandma Smith!! Hope you all have a great Christmas!
Michelle,
The baby is due June 27. Good times! 🙂
Aha! You said “She’s due June 27.” Has it been confirmed grand baby #2 is a girl? Have a wonderful, blessed Christmas surrounded by the love you all share with each other as well as the love of our heavenly Father. There is no greater gift! Hugs to all of you!
Linda in Pittsburgh
Linda,
Yes, June 27 is The Big Day! (I finally thought I should get the actual date from Nate and Meagan since I kept telling people, “Sometime next summer!”) 🙂
They don’t know yet if it’s a boy or girl but we should know that pretty soon. Hooray!
Linda,
Oh my. I didn’t even realize I said “she.” I’ll go back in and change that since the gender hasn’t been confirmed! 🙂