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Redeemer’s Family Reunion
Sunday, July 25th, 2010.
We worshipped together at one service this morning. The beautiful music provided by the Sunshine Flutes, Sound of the Spirit Praise Band, David Ludwig Jr., Dave Hallman and our congregation echoed in this congregation member’s heart as I write this down to share with you. There was a moment when standing side by side, singing as one that I truly understood Mary, when in scripture it said she treasured all these words and pondered them in her heart. (Luke 2:19) It is almost too much to take in all in at once. Faces that I haven’t seen in such a long time, faces of those new friends I haven’t met, and faces that I have shared and loved so much all in one place at one time. The pew I sat in was filled with friends and strangers all sitting together like a family. When I saw all those children go up front to hear the children’s message from Lani Yungmann brought excitement from the congregation as people picked out children they knew and comments of “look how much they have grown” and sighs of “how wonderful to see them” floated over the Sanctuary as the children came forward. Chuckles and shy smiles came out as Mrs. Yungmann shared her silly knock-knock jokes and all came to understanding when she explained how prayer and our gospel connected with this frivolity. Communion was poignant. As we all lined up together to share in the meal, I saw friends reach over and hug each other, well-wishers lay a gentle hand on shoulders as they passed by, and nods of acknowledgement to those too far to reach. This felt good. This is what I thought church should feel like; acceptance, friendliness, and love. As the service neared the end, anticipation and excitement caused anxious little feet to begin a soft rhythm of impatience. Soon they would go out to see the giant bounce houses and water slides. Soon they would resume friendships with those from Sunday School and new friends. And then the benediction from Pastor Stan Reinemund. The moment that I felt the smile of approval from God as I go out to do what He has called us to do.
As we gathered together over at Agape Hall the delicious smells that wafted through the crowd where Tommy, Julius and Jeff had been manning the BBQ grills cooking succulent chicken, burgers and hot dogs. Agape Hall was brimming over with laughter and movement. As we said, “Amen!” the line for the buffet meandered almost around the whole room! The buffet tables groaned from the weight of all the sweet corn, water melon, salads, baked beans, and desserts. By the way, did I mention baked beans? 84lbs of baked beans were ladled out! Getting together for a meal was a great opportunity but I had another chance to visit the Global Market. The volunteers led by Nancy Given set out beautiful items over several tables. The Global Market raised over $500 for missions that day! Grown ups enjoyed catching up with each other and meandering the Global Market but where were the children you ask? Well… outside Agape Hall was a humungous inflatable water slide, 2 bounce houses, a smaller sized water slide for the little ones, and several shade pavilions set up.
So many people everywhere! Volunteers stopped counting at 200 in attendance but more came, we estimated over 250 visited with us. There were our sister congregations from Epiphany Lutheran Church, New Creation Lutheran Church, families from Christian Service Center and new friends from our community. Wow! What a family reunion.
Check out the pictures of all the fun.
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