Sunday April 25

I have presided at my final service at Innisfail United Church for 5 months. It was an awesome worship service -- the choir sang beautiful, the children were delightful at their story time and Maggie was perfect for her baptism. There were many folks at the service!! It was great to see so lots of family for the baptism. Following church we had a delicious lunch and many stayed for it. I had a surprise of a beautiful card and a gift of money from the congregation. The money will help us travel a farther than we thought we could. The pictures below are of the congregation waving to the folks at Delorraine. I have already learned that if you want people to smile in a picture have them wave a big hello.

Today I have started a new page to blog on for my Sabbatical. I am making a commitment to write once a week to keep in touch with Innisfail United Church. I was at workshop last Saturday that talked about sabbaticals. I like the image that was offered -- a sabbatical has three components -- head, heart, hands.
The head is that focus on your education. I have already learned about the Uniting Church of Australia. I am beginning to see similarities and some differences. I also hope when I am with the Delorraine Uniting Congregation (in Tasmania) I will learn how they have church fellowship without paid accountable ministry personnel.
The heart is that you focus on spiritual renewal. One never knows how your spirit is filled but I usually find spiritual fulfillment when I work with people and get to know them. I am looking forward to getting to know many people in Tasmania.
The hands is when we are creative -- we make something or ?? I am not sure how I will use my creative side but I know I will.