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
Thank you for reading Papa’s World
WHERE FRIENDS MEET THE FAMILY
One more service outside – then saying goodbye – going to be a emotional day
We have belonged to our church I guess 13 or 14 years –
and he has been there for the better part of that.
Pastor Joe and Pastor Annabelle
Then – around seven years ago –
Pastor Annabelle –
joined him as our associate pastor –
” One of our own ” as the Bishop said yesterday.
Having been raised in our Synod –
and ordained –
Becoming our co – pastor after her call to Community Lutheran Church.
From TWO to ONE
It was a sad day yesterday –
for we had our Bishop –
who also is retiring at the end of August –
Doing the service and afterword –
A open question and answer
with the Pastors and the Bishop
And knowing in a few short months –
we shall not see Debra ( wife ) – and Joe again.
For in our Lutheran church –
they must leave and have no contact for years.
Joe and Debra Along with Joe is Debra a staple and a enduring influence on the church as a whole ! Joe and Debra on one of our trips into DC to see a play. Debra has many roles in the church, which will take a church full of people to replace her. Debra and Sherry at the Washington National Cathedral. Sherry for one is really going to miss her at book club. But plans on keeping her informed through email on what books we are reading and hoping she can once again supply her insight and critique of that which we read through email !! DEBRA – WE ALL SHALL MISS YOU !!!!!
He shall always remain in spirit
Debra and Joe brought this every day- they both will be missed – but we must forge ahead as Gods work does not rest and once again – with Pastor Annabelle we will unite and make Community the place of comfort for those seeking.
With sadness comes hope – for you see – in the Lutheran Church –
The next Pastor will be called by our membership –
After extensive vetting.
As was Pastor Joe and Pastor Annabelle.
Pastor Annabelle
One goes and one remains –
Pastor Annabelle has become endeared to us all.
Her smile – her compassion – her voice rings clear in service.
For years and years – every Thursday or Friday – she sits in the coffee shop –
Offering free prayers and consultations to any and all – with open arms.
She truly is one of a kind.
For a time – we will count down the time and say our goodbyes –
Our memories – laughter at book club with Debra –
Her wit – her insight – her presence will be missed greatly.
Pastor Joe – his drive forward – his open arms –
his eyes taking in all new people in the pews and extending a welcome.
Their leadership
Their leadership – their compassion –
has led Community Lutheran to this point –
A welcoming to all –
Pastor Annabelle
We – the congregation – are the winners here –
To know both Pastor Joe and Debra –
To have them in our lives all these years –
Has been a blessing –
And to Have Pastor Annabelle and Jeff – her husband – to move forward –
We have had the best of two Worlds.
Already from what she said on Sunday – moving ahead –
Moving the congregation toward that common goal they both established.
The doctrine of the Church – the Open arms –
Community , as the word says – involving all –
Young Clergy Woman moving us forward –
We shall always remember – as when we first came and Pastor Paul retired.
We moved on and new beginning took shape –
And in a few months –
it shall happen once again.
Welcome Pastor Annabelle & Jeff – Farewell Pastor Joe and Debra
Pastor Annabelle & Pastor Joe
” LEAVING ON A JET PLANE ” as the song goes –
Saying fare thee well –
” I’LL BE HOME AGAIN “
Saying welcome to Community Lutheran – FREE PRAYERS AVAILABLE !
They both are moving forward – each in their own direction –
But with in the Spirit of the Lord –
each with COURAGE AND HOPE –
Fare thee well and Hello and welcome
JOE AND ANNABELLE
PAPA’S WORLD – THE LUTHERAN WAY – GOING TO MISS HIM
I hope you enjoyed the read –
For more blogs -just type in the following
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for my email
fitztdf@aol.com
Yours in Christ Sherry and Tom
For HEALTH ( Sherry – my wife – is a certified Health Coach )
I 