Our life has moved on – left behind memories of our former church – just as we did 22 years ago.
Each one holds a special place in our hearts – the first where we were married –
the second where we found a home and friends.
And now the journey begins – another one near our new home.
The stain glassed window – the same as in our last church – a reminder of friends and services – memories!
Right now – this is our future choice – Saint Lukes Lutheran Church
in Ocean Isle Beach right on route 17.
We have to call to be put on the list each Sunday – because of covid restrictions.
But – we were welcomed and social distancing practiced.
Time will tell if we have found a new place to worship –
one that is but 4 plus miles from our new house being built,
Our first time inside the roof and walls of a place of worship in over 13 months.
We left the service and drove to the new house build –
The windows and doors are all installed – the roof is done and almost all the siding and outside trim is done.
Driving up – the beautiful stacked stone is all done!
Our first view of the siding and the stacked stone and the outside trim.
A closer look – the front porch and the garage – the front door and the front bedroom.
This will be my place to sit – the covered front porch – I had told Sherry when selecting which house to build – I must have what we had back in NVA – for I loved sitting on the front porch in the rain or just talking to people walking past!
I have always loved front porches – we had a large one as I was growing up –
I would spend hours on it watching the cars go by with my mother –
Talking to people as they walked by – everyone knew “MARY”
and would call out to her or honk their horns –
I am most like her in tat way!
The two car garage – which will have pull down stairs and storage overhead!
Our thoughts on this – have shelves with towels as the outside water bib is just to the left of the corner.
That way – when coming back from the beach – a place to wash off the sand!
Second thoughts we have discussed – putting a enclosed white vinyl fence with a gate –
And a tank less water heater – for a place to shower – as a third shower for the house if we have lots of company!
I have seen them all over down here – really nice with a place to sit and a place to hang clothes and towels!
On our wish list along with taking the screens out of the enclosed covered patio and glass it in with sliding windows!
It has been a adventure these past six plus months.
Building a new home – and moving South!
But – the electric is done as is the plumbing – they are starting the insulation and then the dry wall.
We are excited – and ready to move in and begin out next phase of our new chapter.
Going to miss our view – but we will have pictures and memories!
THE VIEW FROM THE CONDO – WE ARE BLESSED!
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SHERRY: CERTIFIED HEALTH COACH Home based business with The Juice Plus Company (15 years)
It was rather cold – 46 degrees – but thank goodness no wind!
We went in the dark – at 6:15 AM. and was surprised at all the cars and activity.
This was but one of several services up and down the beach.
ELCA – which we are a member of – along with the Episcopal church –
Came together to have this service.
I would guess by the start – some 4 to 5 hundred souls gathered on the beach-
many standing – others brought their own chairs
At last – in more than a year – we attended a live service.
Glory to God in the highest – and peace to his people on earth.
All our married lives – we have attended church – me – I converted from Catholic to Lutheran
which was how Sherry was raised.
I serve a risen Savior , He’s in the world today – I know that He is living , whatever others say ; I see his hand of mercy , I hear his voice of cheer, And just the time I need Him He’s always near.
They came and came – down the ramp or steps – or from up the beach and down the beach – walking- walking – walking – silently – some hand in hand – others close by – Easter Sunrise Service.
Give thanks to the LORD , for he is good; “His mercy endures for ever.”
They were mostly silent – a few murmurs here and there – ushers directing people – passing out communion cups and wafers – a few announcements – still cold – but at least there was no wind. The sound of the surf – the seagulls – the stillness of the early morning hour – the sand cold – bundled up – ear muffs and scarf – waiting – waiting – waiting.
Our Father , who art in heaven , hallowed be thy name , thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.
Pastor Annabele and the tech crew with the music director Jennifer
We have had the regular service every Sunday
by virtual feed.
Reduced from two services to one.
Community Lutheran Church Sterling Va.
We have been attending for over 15 years.
We found our home after searching for six plus years.
After transfering to NVA from WNY
We finally found what we had left behind.
We tried numerous churches
Being directed into spaces for social distancing
We became involved – watching the community grow
Now – we have but one outside service left to attend
and – we shall depart once again
where we will seek out another church
The parking lot – cars on the outsideThe pastor and set up in the middle being filmedAll around – on the grass – on the hill – people attendingThe trees providing shade with blue skies overhead.People attending – estimated 70 to 90 with 108 on line
Six months is a long time for a pastor not having any contact in person
Six months and so many changes taking place
People moving out – leaving as we are doing
Six months of changing lives.
Never to see them again.
Our little family group – Marcus father and mother – Sherry – Tammy and the little ones
It will be sad when we leave
For pastor told us that the last service we are here
She and the congregation will be saying their goodbyes to us
Emotions for both Sherry and myself will be high
We can not hug – shake hands – only stand there with masks on
and once again leave – on our next journey.
The church and bible have taught us this
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WHERE FRIENDS MEET THE FAMILY
One more service outside – then saying goodbye – going to be a emotional day
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