TODAY THE CHILDREN SHOUTED...

...”Happy Sunday Monday Fun Day Eve!”

At the start of every service, there is countdown on the large screen at the front and when it gets to Zero, the children shout something out - we never know what that shout will be - and I’m sure that many people are confused when “Happy Christmas” is shouted in the middle of June!!  However, today their shout was “Happy Sunday Monday Fun Day Eve”!

We had a great service with some good songs and then a sermon from Dave M. who also happens to be the one of the Fun Day Co-ordinators, so prior to the sermon, and before the children went out, there were a few charades for the congregation to guess what goes on at the Fun Day - performed by the children - and it’s fair to say they were done very well and guessed quickly.

After the children had gone out, we sang some worship songs, but I have to say there was an air of sadness in the congregation because David G, one of our dear members died yesterday, only a month after John, another member died - so although David was very ill, we didn’t expect him to go so soon.  However, our Christian faith is such that we believe we will see our loved ones again and as we remembered David’s family in our prayers and asked God to bless them in their sadness and grieving, we believe that death is not the end.  

Dave M was speaking about Jesus being the “Bread of Life” and our last hymn was “Guide Me, O Thou Great Redeemer”.   The Welsh melody “Cwm Rhondda” is the tune for this hymn, which I’m sure many of you will know is sung with great passion by Welsh supporters at rugby matches, and is even considered the unofficial national anthem of Wales.  It therefore seemed fitting that we closed our service with this hymn, as David G was a staunch rugby supporter and often wore a rugby shirt, bless him.  

You may recognise other shots in my collage - the cross at the front of our Church and one of my Compassion Roses, taken when I got home and looking beautiful today.  I also took a shot of two of our little girls with the plates they had made in their Kidzone class this morning - I’m sure you can see that the drawings on them are lions and the story today was about Daniel in the Lions Den, so quite appropriate.  Hannah had also made a “chatterbox” which had verses inside, so it was good to see all the things they had coloured in today to help them remember the Bible stories.

I also took a photograph of Pete and Ben standing in front of the boxes containing hundreds of plain white baps - all ready for the 1,100 burgers that will be cooked on the barbeque tomorrow at the Fun Day - I guess someone has to look after the baps!  There was also ketchup - because what is a burger without ketchup - and lots of water because it’s going to be a hot one tomorrow and many of us will be there from early morning until about 7 at night!  In case you are wondering, the burgers are defrosting in the various fridges!!

You can also see a list of the various jobs that will be done tomorrow and of course, this all takes planning and expertise, which is something our Fun Day Team does so well.  Several of our menfolk will be going to sort out the gazebos and marquees this afternoon, but they may need to straighten a few marquee poles, so hope they are feeling strong!  If you fancy a “Baptist” Burger or a slice of cake or a cuppa, or even just want to sit and watch what’s going on in the games area or on the inflatables, do come along tomorrow - you will be very welcome - and just tell them Mrs. HCB invited you!  

You have already seen the little wooden hearts that will be given away - those and every single thing provided tomorrow is free - and sometimes people find that hard to believe.  

I’m sure you will be pleased to know that Mr. HCB is much better today than he was yesterday, but has decided that a day out in the hot sun tomorrow would not be a good idea, so will stay at home and pray.  As a little aside, I have to tell you that he is gutted he won’t be there to help set up tomorrow - but even more gutted that he won’t get a bacon buttie, which is always provided for those who get there at 8 o’clock in the morning to help with set up!  :-(  Mind you, I did offer to get some bacon for him, but he said it wouldn’t be the same, so turned me down!  

Hope you all have a great Bank Holiday Monday and good week.  M xx 

P.S.  Apologies for not commenting yesterday - I was looking after Mr. HCB - along with the Silly Saturday Gang, who were very helpful and kind.  We were both very tired, so were in bed very early last night.