Life is full of surprises, some happy and some not so happy......yesterday was a happy one! We arrived at church as usual and noticed several cars parked in the rear which is somewhat unusual. We entered through the vestibule. Someone immediately began a conversation so we were focusing on them. I went into the sanctuary and looking up saw a beautiful banner "Pastor Appreciation Day." I had failed to see the one in the vestibule. Edward came through and still did not see the one over the pulpit. He went into the fellowship hall and seeing all the food and cloths on the tables, asked "what's going on ?" Then he was let in on the surprise. As the service progressed, several of Edward's favorite songs were sung along with the choir specials 'Thank you Lord and Flow Through Me.'
One of the deacons presented Edward with a birthday gift (his birthday is April 3rd) and seven cards --one to be opened each day this week. He read scripture and made several fitting remarks. A bountiful dinner was enjoyed by the congregation.
Edward was given a large basket full of beautiful birthday cards along with several gift cards at restaurants, etc.
We are enjoying the beautiful fresh flowers that graced the sanctuary yesterday.
What a thoughtful, gracious flock we are blessed to be a part of................ and yes they can keep a secret!
A beautiful banner greeted us............. Another surprise....no one sat in their usual place as an April Fool prank... Edward said it was like having a new congregation and he couldn't readily see who was absent.......
11 comments:
What a wonderful surprise. I am so happy that your congregation blessed both of you in this way.
I had to smile when you said that everyone sat in different places. Isn't it funny how we tend to do that? We attend a fairly large church and we try to move around a little but we are creatures of habit as well. I never thought of it as making it easier for the pastor to spot us.
What a special surprise! Happy Birthday to your Hubby..
:)
What a sweet surprise! How thoughtful of your congregation to keep the wonderful secret. I remember when our pastor was celebrating 20 years with the church. We had a surprise party for him, as well, but his wife was in on the secret. Their daughter was visiting for the weekend (actually for the party) and his wife told him that I was going to take family pictures for them, but that the church would make a better place because of lighting, etc. We actually had the party at a neighboring church. I called my pastor and told him that my car had stalled on the way, and I had pulled into the other church parking lot. Could he come and get me? He was concerned for my well being because it was winter time in Ohio. I said that I would be fine, it appeared that they were having something going on, and I would wait inside the building. Well, he pulled into the parking lot full of cars, all from his OWN congregation, and never noticed. He came inside to "pick me up" and was greeted by friends from all 20 years that he had served at this church. People came from all over! What a special day that was!
Sorry for the long story!
Happy, Happy Birthday to Edward!
How great for both you and your husband!! It makes him feel so special...you too of course. Sandy
Sounds like it was a really fun occasion!
I enjoyed Tracy's story also.
What a wonderful surprise! Happy Birthday to your husband!
Kelli
It was a lot of fun, and we had a good time too! Great food, as well! LOL
Congratulations!
Amy
What a lovely surprise. That reminded me of a similar surprise we did for my grandmother one Easter Sunday. We got all of her children and grandchildren together and went to church with her. We were all seated there when she arrived with my aunt. She didn't know it was coming and she was in tears. When the service started the preacher asked her to stand then all of her children to stand followed by all of her grand and great grand children. We took up half of the church. I still remember that day. Thanks for reminding me,
Greg
Thats so nice!!! Beautiful picture too!!!
Awww, Betty, I love to hear that congregations take care of their pastors! That's a great thing that they did for ya'll...love those dinners on the ground. Sounds like a wonderful group of people at your church. LOL, at the April Fools prank!
Happy Birthday to Edward too!
Rhoda
Southern Hospitality
What a lovely surprise and what a blessing it must be to be part of such a loving congregation!
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