Avondale Pattillo members (and more) came through for overseas children again. We donated 45 shoe boxes full of good stuff for kids ages (2 - 14) to local drop-offs for Operation Christmas Child. That's more than last year -- despite tough economic times!
This ministry of Samaritans' Purse provides children in need with toys, school items, hygiene items, and more. These shoeboxes shine the light of God's love throughout the world.
On November 8, members gathered to make Advent banners and also a mosaic cross made from shards of broken coffee cups.
The idea came from Ahren, our current Contextual Education student (aka "Intern"). Ahren pointed out that we are all broken people. We bring this brokenness together at the cross of Christ and are transformed into something new and beautiful. The mosaic cross symbolizes the diversity of all peoples united in the body of Christ.
What a beautiful tie-in with our church's tag line, "A diverse congregation united in Christ". This special cross will be displayed in the sanctuary building during Advent.
November 8th saw a great guest sermon by Rev. Renita Thomas and a comfort food luncheon that was full of warm friendship.
On display at the catered luncheon from Our Way Cafe was the Mosaic cross created by Avondale Pattillo people at the Advent workshop.
Our first sing-a-long on the front lawn was a great success. A good sized crowd showed up on the cool autumn afternoon and lent their voices to the songs.
Julia, Thelma, and Julie got the ball rolling for this first event of its kind. Then Julie began gathering up a gaggle of guitarists. Bongo Larry was a natural percussive addition since Peggy was one of the plucky strummers. And Jennifer volunteered to be MC for this historic event.
Ahren stoked the fires of the portable fire pit so all could make and enjoy S'Mores during the two breaks. Other helpers kept people plied with hot chocolate or hot apple cider. The songs themselves ranged from traditional to praise. All were well received and everyone had a fun time.
On this beautiful day, the surroundings included a front lawn tree seemingly "on fire" -- just one more reminder of the beauty of God's world. This event went over so well it's bound to be repeated. And if we're lucky, we'll hear more of the sassy strummers (and Bongo Larry) -- including more during worship (they played that Sunday morning).
We had a Kid Crafts table at the Avondale Estates AutumnFest October 24th and 25th. Kids (sometimes with a little help) did one or both crafts:
When kids left, we put their crafts in a bag that also had an ad for the Sing-a-long on the lawn, a tri-fold brochure on the church, and our name and address stamped on the front.
We decided to drop plans for paper hats due to the wind. Though Saturday was overcast, breezy, and cool, many families from the area turned out and everyone had a good time.
Our own inimitable Music Minister Jerry held a piano concert on Sunday afternoon, October 3rd. It was quite a treat. Jerry entered the sanctuary sporting a tux (astounding enough by itself!) and a candlelabra.
Jerry performed 20 peices – all original compositions or arrangements. Between songs, Jerry related anecdotes, joked, and provided extra information about the music he composed or arranged. Most of the audience had no idea that Jerry's music has been performed internationally, for instance, or that one piece was written after a friend died in a plane explosion.
After a Love Offering and an intermission featuring scrumptious snacks made by church members, the audience even got a chance to sing along to an original peppy composition, "(There Won't Be) Bad Hair Days in Heaven". The donations received will be split between the general Operating Fund and the music department's budget.
Jerry ended the memorable evening with "Avondale Nights" and a musical interpretation of the bible -- "Revelation 5".
Once again Avondale Pattillo held a Blessing of Pets on our expansive front lawn. A nice mix of neighborhood people and church members attended the short ceremony.
Jerry led the assembled group in a song sung to the tune of Frere Jacques as well as a closing one. Al pitched in with a zither. Pastor Dave gave a brief message and explanation of why the event was associated with St. Francis of Assisi.
Then Dave and our "intern" Ahren split up to bless each animal.
After the blessing, pet treats were available as well as water for pets and people.
