July 4 2006

Number 27

VIEWPOINT

Surprised!  Humbled!  Grateful!  These are just a few of the emotions we experienced at the acknowledgment Sunday of our anniversary at Cedar Grove.  We appreciate all the kind words and compliments from the church family.  We’re thankful to our church leadership for organizing the presentation.  It’s been a wonderful partnership in ministry.

Before the events of Sunday had transpired, Paula had already volunteered to write about our time with the church family.  Here are her words: 

Over the past few days Ross and I have been reminiscing about our move to Cedar Grove on July 1, 1981.  I teared up just thinking back to that day as I sat on the stairs (waiting for the movers) watching Scotty run around the empty rooms.  I remember commenting to Ross that we would never be able to fill up this big house.  Needless to say, after 25 years, we have! 

We feel so blessed because so many people we have known that entered the ministry didn’t last five years much less stay at the same congregation 25 years.  You all are our family.  We have shared so much including marriages, births, sicknesses, divorce and deaths as well as many other things that life throws our way and we have all grown together.

Thank you for letting us to grow and learn here with such a loving, caring and giving church family. Thank you for allowing our children to grow up here and not have to move every few years.  Thank you for all that you mean to our family and for allowing us to call Cedar Grove “our home.”

We love all of you and thank God for you every day.

---------------

I’ll just add “amen.”  Let me also thank Sheila for the thoughtful way she wrote our poem.  We appreciate it very much!

We have an exciting day planned for our VBS Saturday.  I know it will be successful.

In addition, we have a guest speaker for Sunday evening.  Orpheus Heyward is the associate minister for the West End congregation.   Let’s give him a great reception! 

I look forward to seeing you Sunday with a Bible, a smile and a positive word RA

Thank You, Ross and Paula

I've never heard a sweeter voice to sing AMAZING GRACE.

But have you heard that sultry voice?  Did you see his face?

                   I just took a moment to express appreciation.

It would take up many pages if you polled the congregation.

These words have been inadequate they're really just a start.

Trying to express to you the love within my heart.

                 — by Sheila Hunt