Seven male cooks and one woman supervisor. Isn't this a scary photo? Last evening more than a hundred St. Paul's folk gathered at the church for a barbeque to welcome our new staff person, the Rev. Cathy Russell. A good part of our time together was visiting and eating, finely honed skills in our congregation. A visitor to our morning worship commented on the warm buzz of conversation before the service began. In the less restrained atmosphere of the evening meal the buzz stepped up to a dull roar.
After we ate we took part in what was billed as a loonie auction. Donated items were sold with only one dollar coins allowed to raise the bids. It meant that children enthusiastically took part in the proceedings and it was all "low key," not to mention looney in another meaning of the word. At our table we watched as one little girl's grandmother bid with great determination on a couple of TV character dolls. When she won, the child couldn't contain her glee. It was worth the evening to be next to her. Somehow these coins tossed in baskets along with other donations brought in more than $2,000!
We hope Cathy does feel welcome in our midst. We know that she offers considerable gifts to our life together. She will bring a strong Christian faith to her ministry to young families and children, as well as worship and visitation.
I'm sure she saw the enthusiastic efforts of the group who put this event together. It won't be the last time.
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