HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MICHAEL!

If you ever want an enthusiastic welcome to our Church, make sure you come on the day that Michael is a steward on the door!  He gives the best hugs and is always excited to see you - so even if you come in feeling a bit low, by the time Michael has given you one of his famous welcomes, you feel much better.

Today was a special day for him - because although it was his birthday on Friday, today was the day it was celebrated at church.  Sadly, his Mum is in hospital - and we wish Nadine all the very best - but that didn’t stop him coming to Church with his Dad, Rodney.  

After a great service, when I even managed to sing some of the songs - with a sermon that gave us food for thought from Ross, we all went into the hall, where not only were we treated to coffee and biscuits, but Hilary - the wonderful cake maker - had made at least four delicious cakes to help us celebrate Michael’s birthday in style.  I managed to take a shot of one of the cakes, just after it had been cut and before all the slices were gone - so you can see that Michael was 50 years old.  I had some of the coffee cake and it was delicious. 

Sue reminded us that we were here to celebrate Michael’s birthday, so we all sang to him and you can see him clapping himself rather enthusiastically - oh that we were always so enthusiastic about ours and other people’s birthdays!  I knew Michael would have a birthday badge - he loves badges anyway, and I’m sure he will be wearing this one for quite a while and reminding people that it was his birthday this weekend.  

It was great to be back with my Church family today - so many were concerned that I had been so poorly and said they were pleased to see me again, including Michael.  Isn’t it good to feel you belong and that people care about you?  I hope that you have someone who cares about you.  

Our sermon today from 1 Peter Chapter 3, verses 8 to 12 in the Living Bible translation, encouraged us as follows - words that we would do well to take into the coming week, so thank you Ross for reminding us.

“...Now this word to all of you: 
You should be like one big happy family, 
     full of sympathy toward each other, 
          loving one another with tender hearts 
               and humble minds. 
Don’t repay evil for evil. 
     Don’t snap back at those who say unkind things about you. 
Instead, pray for God’s help for them,
     for we are to be kind to others, 
          and God will bless us for it.
If you want a happy, good life, 
     keep control of your tongue,
          and guard your lips from telling lies. 
Turn away from evil and do good. 
     Try to live in peace even if you must run after it 
          to catch and hold it! 
For the Lord is watching his children, 
     listening to their prayers; 
           but the Lord’s face is hard against those 
               who do evil.