Sunday Sermon

Since this past weekend was Annual Conference, when all the U.M. clergy of the "Detroit Annual Conference" (eastern half of the state, plus the U.P.), plus an equal number of lay persons, gathered at Adrian College for worship and meetings, it was "Laity Sunday" at our church. That included a good sermon by Dave E. on giving our "all" to God.

An even more personal message came to me when I returned to church in the afternoon to make copies of the evening's Disciple Bible study lesson plan. Doug H. (our Sunday custodian), who was helping to pack up after the Red Cross Blood Drive, made sure the workroom was unlocked for me, and he checked if I needed anything else.

And then he told me about God's healing assurance and power in his own life. I have tried to be so open to trusting God, whatever comes into my life. Sometimes people pray, but do not always have the response they are looking for. What if this is one of those times? I do not want to be presumptuous (that God would heal me and not someone else). I try to figure out that balance. But Doug's story was full of faith in God's love and strength. It does not matter if I understand the mysteries. God was certainly with Doug in his treatments. He made a difference. He is responsible for Doug's healing. I saw Jesus' face in Doug's experience, and I heard God's voice in Doug's words of assurance.

Jesus unlocked the door for me today.

Weekend: Mosaic Theatre; Relay for Life; Shower Shopping

Mosaic Youth Theatre as Fisk Jubiliee Singers
While reading the newspaper at my most recent chemotherapy session, I was struck by an article about a Mosaic Youth Theatre presentation about a 1871 Fisk University touring choir that calmed a lynch mob with their music, particularly the spirituals. It seemed important and powerful. So, while John was away at Adrian for "Annual Conference" (United Methodist worship and church business) over the weekend, James and Sarah took me Friday night.

Relay for Life
American Cancer Society's Relay for Life: My first cancer-walk event as a "cancer survivor". Anne M. had encouraged me to participate in the Saturday morning "Survivor's Lap", as she said I am considered a "survivor" without waiting for treatment to be completed; it starts as soon as the diagnosis is made. Looking for familiar faces at Northville's Ford Field, I first found Jane S., then Anne M., and then Anne and John P., and Janet M. We were even fed breakfast! And I won flowers for being among the most recently diagnosed. Well, I never thought of that category! They're lovely.

Shower Shopping
Childhood friend Donna (Tifrea) Gurk's son Ben is getting married this summer, so I attended a shower for Ben and Rachel Saturday afternoon. I had looked up their Bed Bath & Beyond gift registry online, and knew exactly what I wanted. However, when I arrived at my local store (Haggerty and 6 Mile), they did not have that particular item. The salesperson offered to order it, and then explained an even more helpful offer. They could just send it directly to the gift registry address! What a good idea. I am including this store story in my blog, as she really made my shopping experience pleasant!

Of course, I also got to meet Rachel and to see some "longtime friends" (we don't say "old friends") at the shower. Susan, who had driven in from Chicago, even drove me back to Northville, making a stop at the grocery store. I needed milk!