Yahoo!

There is no doubt about it yesterday was a day.
A friend of ours was getting his PMC (Provisional Ministry Certificate).  He is originally from a small Pacific Island and lived in Auckland and is now in Australia.  He had a number of friends of his come to our service.  Some were from a group called Iron Sharpens Iron.  Others were family and friends.  About 50 in all.
He is one tough looking dude.  But has changed big time.  Instead of being a rabble rouser he now helps tame the rabble.  I thought it was so funny.  I told him about a book I read and long story short some people in Chicago did not like a guy traveling too fast down their street where their kids were.  They ended up turning over the car.  He said it reminds me of what we used to do.  Except it was to police cars.
Anyway we were expecting a crowd.  A crowd was there.  I ran around like a chook with its head cut off.  Although not as visible Merril did the same.  I welcomed people and directed them to seats (which were fewer and fewer).   Merril and I were to give out communion together.  Merril suggested I ask someone else as she was busy cutting up food and helping get that ready.  I doubt I will ever see forget seeing her make tracks across the road to the shop to get something needed.  She was wearing flowers in her hair Islander style.
Someone graciously told me they would help.  I asked them to follow me but in reality they had done it more often than I.  Still we managed.  The other two were great.  I did feel we might be in trouble when it was suggested we take up the offering and were still collecting communion cups.  Fortunately, the minister saw what was happening and one thing followed the other rather than both at once.
Our planned progression had been thrown out the window with the non arrival of some.  They were from the south side and got lost.  Never did see them.
After the service was lunch.  A traditional Islander lunch had been prepared and it was beautiful.  All the chairs had to be put to one side and tables gotten out.  Yours truly helped make that happen plus a lot of other people.
All went well.  It was a big day.  The highlight for me, and although there were many, I particularly loved the singing.  A group was asked to sing and rather than do it from out the front they broke into song where they were.  I did not understand the language, but I loved it.
After lunch we went home.  A sleep was in order.