Mount Airy Journal

Monday, May 28, 2012

Shiloh UMC Spring Fling

The first Saturday of May The UMW of Shiloh UMC had their Spring Fling fundraiser. They started the Brunswick stew early and they had to keep stirring until it was ready. The hot dogs took several cooks and were ready for lunch.

The folks in the kitchen had breakfast biscuits ready in the morning and fixed the hot dogs. The bake sale table had cakes, pies, cupcakes, brownies, cookies, and fried apple pies. Everyone was great, I tried it all so I know.

Even though we had rain of and on, we had a good crowd all day long. The yard sale items were varied and somehow Joanne ended up filling the back end and back seats of the car with things I didn't even see.

Thanks to an excellent turnout, the United Methodist Women were able to raise funds that will be used community outreach and mission projects. A special thanks to everyone that helped setting up, cooking, serving, selling, and taking everything back done.

Friday, May 25, 2012

First Sunday at Shiloh UMC

In April, I started serving as the Interim Pastor at Shiloh UMC in Forest VA. I am still appointed to Timberlake UMC until July and they have graciously loaned me to Shiloh.

I realize some of the pictures are a tad fuzzy, but I've been assured that I look better that way.

This is a very "coming full circle" experience for Joanne and me. Joanne has had family in these pews for at least three generations. There is a stained glass window in the santuary dedicated to her grandparents.

Joanne grew up attending Shiloh UMC, she went to Sunday School and played the piano here. Actually, when we were dating, I started coming on Sundays just so I could see Joanne more.

41 years ago this June, Joanne and I were married at Shiloh UMC, standing in front of that altar rail. I took part in Joanne's father's funeral standing behind that pulpit. In other words, there is a lot of history here that we are connected to and happily so.

I asked the congregation, "How many of you were here when Joanne and I got married?" Quite a few people raised their hands. I then looked at them and said, "You didn't see this coming, did you?" Everyone laughed and more than a few shook their heads.

I can't say that I can see where the road is leading with this new move. But, the cool part is that I know who plans my intinerary and I know He has quite an adventure in mind.

Friday, May 18, 2012

18 March 2012; a very busy, very family day

It isn't very often that I get family in town to join us on Sunday. But this weekend was different; we had family in from New York, West Virginia, and Nebraska. We had ourselves a mini-familiy reunionThey joined Joanne and me at Timberlake UMC East for breakfast and the morning service.

My sister Dawna and Randy Lewis and my sister Paula and her daughter, Mariah Kohrt were in from Omaha. My dad joined us, along with grand-daughter Lila Harrington at the table.

Dave and our daughter, Courtney Harrington, along with our other grandchildren; Thomas, Taisie, and Levi were in from Albany. My brother Aaron Johnson was in from Charleston.

Along the other members of our church we had a great breakfast of egg, sausage, bacon, biscuits and gravy, fruit salad, pastries, juice, and of course coffee.

After Sunday service, all the girls went to a baby shower for Jeremiah and Kate. Jeremiah was the only guy there, the rest of us abandoned him to all the ooohs and aaahs of the opening of baby gifts.

cupcakes on a stick

It won't be long, at least that is what we all thought at the time.

Paula and Dawna at the shower.

Courtney with her little brother.

Leah helps opening and inspecting the gifts.

"Help me, please!"

That same evening we all gathered at Charley's restaurant to celebrate Paula's and my birthdays. Paula's was on the 17th and mine was coming up on the 23rd.

Paula had already had her cake and this one was waiting for me. Ol' Grumpy sitting on the edge of the stream. Joanne's cousins, Charlene and Mary Beth, made and decorated the cake. A fine cake, as is expected for someone turning 60.