Day Twenty Three: Sunday, June 29, 2008

Day Twenty Three: Sunday, June 29, 2008
Worship
Church Business Meeting and Potluck
The Battle Hymn of the Republic

Ran today-the usual San Juan-Palm-Dove-Quail loop. Then off to church with Christine in the truck. Something seemed to be leaking from the van. It is going to be time to let the Odyssey go before too long.
At church we had a commissioning ceremony and prayer for Billy and Wayne as this would be Billy's last Sunday and Peter Rodgers preached on the Prodigal Son.
We came home and Robert had brought Gordon in. We bought sandwiches at Raley's. Tonight is the church business meeting.
I drove Gordon out in his truck so he could meet Manasa and go back to Donner then Christine picked me up and we went to church.

Had a great potluck and a good meeting, but the highlight of the evening was at the very end when the congregation surprised Billy with their rendition of "The Battle Hymn of the Republic". Billy was trying to close the meeting as it had run late when the back doors opened and Jeff Kiefer walked in play a snare drum followed by about 30 singers who mounted the stage area. Jim Jeffereies played the trumpet for the first time since we have been in the new building, Christine was on the piano and Joanne was on the organ. It built to a great crescendo with several flags marching up the front and down the sides. I sincerely think that both Tricia and Billy were touched. Just wish I had had a camera!