Tasha with psychedelic rainbow cake

Tasha with psychedelic rainbow cake
Originally uploaded by bgill_78

So... what does a feast day at the Church of the Holy Apostles look like? Well... it's pretty special. Our Easter Vigil culminates in a feast to end all feasts. There's lamb, there's salads, there's wine and cheese, beer, sherry... we are breaking a fast, and we do it with style!!

Last year was my darling daughter's first foray into contributing... and she made the world's most amazing four layer psychedelic rainbow cake. It almost matched her shoes.

Truth be told... this is what I'll miss if the church goes under. And it's looking mighty grim, friends. Mighty grim. I

I'll miss the people, but we'll still connect. I'll miss the ritual, but we can get close. I'll miss the building. What I'll truly miss though is the complete joy present in these celebrations.

Pray for us please, we desperately need it!

Christian Education-- the rubber meets the road!

In a small church, people of necessity wear many hats. For example, I teach the primary school children and sit on the Bishop's committee. A colleague sits on the Bishop's commitee and acts as our catechist. This leaves my daughter, age 16, in charge of Sunday School for one Sunday a month. Fortunately, since we are a small church there are only about 6 children... still, with the differences in ages... it's a challenge.

We've decided to begin working on an Epiphany play on those Sundays. We're performing a tale of 3 Camels... focusing on the Magi. Well, actually focusing on their camels, but the idea is centered on their travel to worship Jesus! I'm digressing a bit from my point, though, which is this...

So many people talk about how important it is to have a Sunday school, and Christian education program. So many people look for good programs when choosing churches. So many people write curriculums, have outlines, etc. However, so few say yes when asked. I marvel at this, because any time we want to do something in our Sunday school... we are blessed to have volunteers who will help, who will take classes, etc.

I've been in much larger churches where people almost hit their knees to plead for teachers/helpers/and aides. I am a friend with others in other areas who are also struggling with this... especially in big churches.

Truly, I say unto you. the fields are white for the harvest and the laborers are few very few. Luke 10:2

Thankful Thursday and the to do list!

For the example of the Chilean miners... brought from darkness, and the cold of the tomb into the light and life. May it inspire us all to go into dark places to bring the light of the world to the lost.

For my husband...

For my children...

For the cool of a fall morning run followed by a hot cup of coffee, and the luxury of a hot shower. Never underestimate the wonder and beauty of modern plumbing.

For the Church of the Holy Apostles...

For the items on my to do list which remind me I am employed, have friends, and people who depend on me. I am not alone in this world.

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To do:
2 hours live lecture
grade assignments
trip to post office

Tidy living room
deep clean dining room and bath

Laundry
Reread the EfM assignment

Errand Running Wednesday!

Don't get me wrong... I love being at home and the freedom my job provides to do that while earning a decent income is a huge blessing in my life. However, some days it's nice to get out!

I'm running errands today and the list is longer than usual:

1. Mail church newsletters and directories to those who have not yet picked theirs up at church.
2. Update intercession prayer card at church.
3. Mail my sock swap buddies package!
4. Grocery store/Walmart/liquor store-- I'm making wine braised italian sausages with whole wheat bowtie pasta (recipe courtesy my good friend, Ann) later on in the week and I need the wine to braise the sausages.
5. Coffee with a good friend.
6. Breadsmith

The to do list is also fairly long. Sadly I do not get visits from the laundry fairy. I get visits from the dirty socks laying on my living room floor fairy and enjoy the constant companionship of the shedding dog fairy.

Tuesday Museday and Menu Planning Monday procrastination!

Menu Planning Monday a day late:

Monday: I had leftovers, kids and hubby headed to the in-laws for spaghetti and a look at pictures, which the kids forgot to bring with them. GRRRR!

Tuesday: Crockpot pork carnitas, tortillas, tomatos, onions, peppers.

Wednesday: Roasted eggplant, and garlic pasta ala Norma with cherry tomato sauce.

Thursday: Blackbean/left over pork/ and rice enchiladas with spinach salad.

Friday: Date NIGHT!

Saturday: chili dogs/ nachos (USF homecoming game!)

Sunday: Fend for yourselves (unless I can convince dh to grill something amazing!)
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And now for the museday...

Embarking on new adventures is always a bit of a strain. I'm headed into a world I know very little about, but will undoubtedly find interesting. I've started EfM. Education for Ministry from the School of the South at Sewanee seminary. It's a distance learning project. I'm both excited about the possibilities and terrified.

I'm not at all sure that God has a call on my life for ministry beyond what I already do, but learning more cannot and will not do me any harm. I am hearing from others that He does, like Gideon though... I'd like to see a bit of fire from heaven before I commit myself. This is a four year course and I'm starting to study the Old Testament. I'll likely blog a bit here about my experiences in the course. However, what is said in the class stays in the class... so this will be my online journal if you will about my thoughts and reflections on the biblical material I'm reading.

Since I'm also working on my spiritual biography for the course... I may from time to time post a bit about that. I've got time, but I'm also a crazy overachieving wackjob so... we'll see what we get.

The Friday 5!

1. Have you ever dressed up as a Disney character?

2. Which was your favorite Disney movie growing up?

3. Which Disney character can you most relate to?

4. Have you ever been to a Disney theme park?

5. When does someone become too old for Disney?

My answers:

1. No.

2. Peter Pan

3. Mrs. Potts

4. Yes-- Disney World!

5. Never.

Thankful Thursday!

Today I am thankful for:

the great goodness of God

new adventures

my children and husband

my parish family

the blessing of hot coffee, and warm socks on a chilly morning.

For all these things, make us truly grateful O, Lord.