Congregational Life
Did
You Know?
·
C
lifford Pavalonis and Ross Arrington were part of the Powhatan High School
football team that won the all-state championship for the season.
Ross was chosen by the coach as the “most valuable” player!
Congratulations Ross!
· Paul
and Helen Brennneman are driving to Texas to join the “Gospel for Asia” tour
group. They will be leaving February
21 and will be gone 10 days.
Hospice Care at Bon Secours-Richmond
Bon Secours Hospice
Health Care Foundation featured Wilbur and Frances Adams in their 2003
annual report. Bon Secours
Hospice marked its 20th anniversary as a source of support and comfort for
those facing terminal illness. It
also trains volunteers specifically on bereavement care.
Volunteers are trained to listen for cues from family members who
may need in-depth grief counseling. Coordinator
Rich Schultz says, “Hospice care is intimate work.
We become very close to our patients.” Frances said, “Hospice
has been so good to us. During
Wilbur’s illness, they anticipated our every need… Rich is so
perceptive and very patient. He
allowed me to exhaust all other options of dealing with the loss until I
was emotionally ready to face depths of grief I didn’t know needed to be
explored.” Frances was asked to
share their experience at one of their memorial services in January.
Frances is so grateful for all who have reached out to her with
words of encouragement and comfort during the past months.
But most of all she is has found God’s abundant love to be her
sustaining grace. |
Frances Adams enjoying some memories with her family
|
Men’s
Retreat
Keys to Being Covenant Keepers March
12-14, 2004 Williamsburg
Christian Retreat Center Speaker:
Dr. Myron Augsburger Registration
forms are on the table in the entryway or contact Bob/Marie Hertzler |
| Carolyn Nowlin
Celebrates Retirement
Carolyn
Nowlin has officially retired from 27
years of teaching even
though she is continuing to work one day a week mentoring new teachers.
On
Saturday, January 31, our care group surprised her with a celebration
supper at the home of Bill and Bertha Schaefer.
A five-course meal was elegantly served by Sheila Schaefer, Donna
Wyatt and Ben Powell. “Country
Cousin Sheila” provided the entertainment for the evening.
When
asked if they were going to travel, Carolyn was quick to answer, “No, I
just want to stay home!” However,
Pres, who is feeling better after being “chair-bound”
with his back, has now gotten itchy feet.
They do have a several day jaunt planned to Ocracoke Island, NC
with Ed and Doris Ranck the second week in February.
For the present time
they plan to enjoy a more leisurely schedule, work on unfinished
projects, plant a rose garden and visit with family and friends.
|
|
Youth
Leaders Retreat at Williamsburg
Sharon and I went to Williamsburg for the annual youth sponsors' retreat. I was certain that this would have the answers to all my questions concerning the youth group. I knew that I would come back loaded with lots of new ideas for Bible studies and activities for the youth. I soon realized that my plans for the weekend and God's plans for the weekend were different. Most of the weekend was spent focusing on prayer and how I can better focus on God and God's will for me. So what did I take away from the retreat you ask? I would say that I came away with a better understanding of my role and responsibility as a youth leader. I need to remember that God is more concerned with me drawing closer to him than he is with my successes or failures as a youth sponsor. If I can keep that in mind, then the worries of today will not seem so big. Sharon, Susie, Tommy and I welcome your continued prayers as we lead the youth. Thanks so much for the opportunity to go to the retreat.
By Miles Pruett