In a matter of one week the parish has participated in two “Giving” Day celebrations. The first event was Saturday March 24th when a wonderful group of parishioners volunteered their time to make our parish grounds beautiful. We are so proud of these people and their labor of love.

The second event took place Saturday, March 31st when a fun group of women gathered together in the newly renovated Ness Room. The women gathered to celebrate with Chelsea, a bride-to-be. Chelsea was showered with words of blessing given by Delores, Joan and Sandy.

Joan gave Chelsea a frog as a reminder that there will be times when her prince charming might turn into a frog. But when forgiveness is practiced regularly, it is amazing how quickly the frog can turn back into the prince. Sometimes it only takes that one kiss, too! The frog stage usually doesn’t last very long and it is usually for a reason, so don’t fret about it too much. The Lord just wants to remind you that forgiveness is meant to be practiced by both the prince and the princess.

In addition to the words of love and encouragement brought by these women of faith, many wonderful gift items from Chelsea and Benjamin’s wedding registry were showered upon them by the women in attendance. You should have heard the ooohhh’s and aaawwwhhh’s when Chelsea opened the group gift. It was an Oreck Vacuum cleaner. She laughed and quickly shared with us that just the day before in their pre-marital counseling, she commissioned the job of vacuuming to Benjamin. The women roared with laughter at that news!

The afternoon was delightful. I am thrilled that there is still a desire to celebrate momentous events like wedding and baby showers with the ladies of our parish. We want to be a community where the younger can teach the older women. What better way to begin than by sharing these moments of joy together. As the guests were leaving, so many of them mentioned that they were happy for the opportunity to share in Chelsea’s life and happy that we were doing showers again because it brought back such fond memories.

Bridal Shower decor in Chelsea’s favorite Beach Nautical Theme

Lots of yummy snacks

Bridesmaid, Mother of the Bride-to-be, Bride-to-be

Prince Charming vs. Frog

Hmmm! Chelsea doesn’t know as much about Benjamin as she thought…

Grandma Lidstrom’s vintage dishes to match modern fiesta ware and the touching story behind it all

Need we say more?

oooh!

Ho ho ho…

Yes! Thank you so much!

In a matter of one week the parish has participated in two “Giving” Day celebrations. The first event was Saturday March 24th when a wonderful group of parishioners volunteered their time to make our parish grounds beautiful. We are so proud of these people and their labor of love.

The second event was this Saturday, March 31st when a fun group of women gathered together in the newly renovated Ness Room to celebrate with Chelsea, a bride-to-be. Chelsea was showered with words of blessing given by Delores Donnelly, Joan Irvin and Sandy Chinn. In addition to their words of encouragement, many wonderful gift items from Chelsea and Benjamin’s wedding registry were given by the women in attendance. (pictures to come)

Check out the love in these photographs that Brenden McElroy and I took.

I love this job!

Ahhh! The look of love for a clean pantry and floors that shine!

I hope to see a Gray color grill instead of a Black one!

I’ve got this job covered!

Break Time!

It’s cold out here!

Washing the cupboards is fun, it really is fun!

Oh Yeah! I’m workin’ hard!

Oh! But, we can get this clean! Really!?!

Wow! Look at that dirt steam away!

Sweeping! A piece of cake!

It’s a joy to serve!

You bringing the wheel barrel?

Ah! This is the life!

A few weeks ago, the Vicar Man encouraged us (the parish members) to observe the celebration of lent by giving up something in our life that pains us to do so for the lent season. The observance time period is from Ash Wednesday to Easter Sunday of each calendar year— a period of six weeks. How is everyone doing? I already know some of your adventures involve real sacrifices. You go people!

My progress includes that I have not only given up something that pains me but also adding something joyous to my life that thrills me. This year I have added a Zumba exercise class once a week. Yes! I do look like an uncoordinated older woman trying to keep up with the amazingly fit energetic teacher—our very own official Zumba instructor, Michelle LaFontaine. I look dumb and feel dumb but like our instructor shares weekly, “I am the instructor and I am supposed to do it right. Don’t worry if you can’t get the moves down because in time you will. And, no one is looking at you…everyone is looking at me because I am the teacher. Everyone is supposed to look at the teacher! So, get over your inhibitions and have fun!” Ummm! Hummm! Ok, right…! Well, after our pep talk I agree with our fun instructor but also believe that the activity is very good for my heart. I’m glad I am doing something good for my health. I am glad that I have added something good to my weekly activity for lent.

“Now, Michelle,  How did you do that move?”

Hey, you too can do a great activity for your heart. Come join me every Monday night at 6:30pm in our parish gymnasium for the Zumba class. The cost is $5.00 Drop-in, or $30.00 for the 10 Class Punch Card (Bring Your Towel to Wipe Your Brow & A Water Bottle). It is good for your heart and a fun exercise program! We promise that none of us students will look at you…we’re actually too busy concentrating on what we are supposed to be doing that we don’t have time to look around!

A kindred spirit, lovely Laveda Velveeta, was recently laid to rest. I miss her! I did not know her by Laveda Velveeta because it was a term of endearment among her beloved nieces–a tidbit that was shared at her Memorial. Darlene was the name I called her which was middle name. On the day Darlene was laid to rest, a memorial to celebrate her life was housed at the parish during the evening hour. A large crowd gathered to honor her life. It was a grand celebration that included many expressions of love and joy that filled the house on her behalf.

The Vicar Man and I had treasured history with Darlene that made her a kindred spirit to us. Our history that we shared with each other was often from a distance, as well as up close and personal during different stages of our lives. Kindred spirits have a special understanding or connection to each other because of their shared experiences. The Vicar Man and I found comfort in her sharing with us similar beliefs, attitudes and feelings often about parish life. Her expertise came from working in the parish office over a forty year span under seven different vicars. Yikes! She was amazing! The Vicar Man was actually number eight. He needs to be included in this calculation because Darlene and her long-time colleague (and close friend), Ann Tegman, loved to care for him as a young pastor. It was an easy venture since his office was in the parish building for some years. They helped to train him in many ways but mostly on how to have fun in the office. Profound memories! Kindred spirits are trusted souls. Darlene was the epitome of a trustworthy person. She was a true confidant, a good listener, self-assured, God-fearing and a woman of integrity.

The Vicar Man loves to participate in the memorials of our parishioners because it is an opportunity to reflect on that person’s life and celebrate the ways God used them. There is always something new that we learn about each person and that is the way it was with Darlene. She touched so many people throughout her lifetime of eighty years, especially those of her granddaughters, Heather, Anna and Sarah. She was so proud of them and, as we found out, the feeling was mutual. The girls especially trusted Oma when they would confide in her about their inner most secrets about boys. To make sure “Oma” would not spread a single word that would shock or mortify their mother, Sandra, many a secret conversation would begin with, “Oma, YOU can’t tell mom!”  I laughed upon hearing this tidbit because it is such a girl thing to do! Darlene loved secrets and kept them well. She enjoyed knowing the scoop; all her Facebook fans can attest to that. Darlene bought right into the granddaughters’ youthful phase and identified with who they were, what they thought and how they lived life.

A treasured quality I am sure they will not forget. As I listened to the girls share their insights and treasured moments, I could visualize Darlene’s big smile, hear her little chuckle and imagine her verbal assurance that not a peep would be uttered. It made me hopeful that I too could be like her to my grandchildren one day. She was an awesome mentor and role model for her own family. The girls’ transparency helped me to visualize just how special that was.

Her granddaughter, Anna, told us of a moment she had with Darlene in the hospital, just before her passing. The two of them were alone and communicated together as best they could under the circumstances. In a peaceful moment of silence, the song I’ll Fly Away sung by Johnny Cash came on the radio. His voice and instrumentation filled the silent room. Anna was inspired at the appropriate timing and message as they basked in the moment. It was so peaceful and sacred. It was not long until Darlene’s soul did fly away to meet Jesus.

As she thought about her Oma’s memorial Anna wanted to sing the song I’ll Fly Away in honor of those last few hours she spent with Darlene. After sharing this story at the memorial, Anna picked up to her guitar and while she was adjusting the microphone she mentioned, “Well, Opa actually told me that Oma really didn’t like this song.” Everyone laughed!  She added, “I am going to sing it anyway because of the message. I want to honor of her life of knowing Jesus and the hope that she had to live with him forever. So, Oma, I hope you don’t mind.” The moment she took her first strum on the guitar and opened her mouth to sing, tears seeped out of the corners of my eyes and began to slowly roll down my cheeks. Anna took her time to share the song in humble reverence and with deep conviction. On the last chorus she invited those in attendance to sing along with her. The moment was precious and awesome. It was like listening to angels singing during a big choir practice. It was beautiful—and, ever so peaceful, so reverent, so loving. I was definitely transported for a few short minutes into the presence of the Lord.

As one memory after another was shared, a window was opened into the scope of Darlene’s influence while she was here on earth. The Vicar Man shared a message from Proverbs 31 and it was exactly what Pete, her husband, envisioned to be shared from God’s word. If anyone embodies the Proverbs 31 woman Darlene certainly does. I will miss lovely Laveda Darlene Velveeta! But, I know I will see her again when I am ready to Fly Away.

To hear Anna share her song in honor of Oma taken from the memorial, click on this link:

Feel free to visit the link to caring bridge and reflect on some of the journal entries about Darlene and her life. It’s a good reminder to us that life is short but what we do with what God has given us matters to http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/darleneneuschwander

Visit Anna singing  on YouTube along with a slideshow tribute to Darlene:

The Financial Peace University (FPU) course from Dave Ramsey that is offered at the Parish on Wednesday evenings is proving productive beyond expectation. It’s more than a group of 28 members who choose to work toward being fiscally prudent. Just this past week we have seen the Parish be a wholesome ground for pursuing ones dream. The goal to be debt free continues to be a focus; but, on the back end one of the results to becoming debt free is that one has more time, and energy as well as desire to give—back to the community, philanthropy, missions, and to others in need.

A couple of weeks ago the twin brothers, Victor and Angelo Ongpin, FPU course members, happened to be invited to come early to  class and partake in the community dinner offered at the Parish on Wednesday nights from 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm. They thought that was a great idea to be able to grab a bite to eat before class, inexpensively, and support the Parish. They ate with other FPU colleagues and naturally enjoyed engaging in interesting table talk. One of the topics they discussed was the meal and then branched out to what food they enjoy.  The consensus was they are choosing to eat more healthy foods. Victor aspires to own a business in the food/restaurant industry which would include running a food service truck. Victor is well schooled in the field and hobbies as a chef. The brothers introduced themselves to Gerry Goit, the Parish Fast Lane Community Diner manager and upon hearing their story he immediately invited them to join the cooking team. They accepted the invitation and appreciated the offer to participate.

The following Tuesday evening (late) Victor receives a call from Gerry asking if there would be any way he and Angelo would be interested in stepping in at the last minute to cover for another cook for the next day. Yikes! A quick answer is required. Victor agrees. He immediately calls Angelo to ask if he can help. Angelo says, “Yes, of course and I can do all the shopping on my lunch hour the following day (Wednesday).”

The twins rose early that next day (Wednesday) and went to their full time day jobs. After a full day of work, Victor, Angelo, Gerry and Brenden McElvoy were found scurrying around in the Parish kitchen preparing the meal that would need to be served within a two hour time period. Whhooosh! They were working hard and loving it! Fortunately, the twins had Gerry and Brenden coming in early to prep the kitchen for cooking. How do I know this fact? I was in charge of diner set up that evening and observed their joy of serving. It was perfect teamwork! They were having fun too!

Another surprise for me was that I also had the privilege of working while listening to the Parish’s Driven worship band as they practiced. Yes! Driven has changed their meeting venue from the big auditorium up stairs to the multi-purpose room (alias the gym) down stairs. They set up the area using their new curtain and pole partitions to section off a large are for Driven and a large area for the Parish Fast Land Community Diner. It was awesome! A fresh look and a fresh café style is our fun new facelift. Woo Hoo!

Victor and Angelo mingled with the people dining and asked for critique. Everyone mentioned that the meal was suburb. Their performance on all counts was so professional. Similar to the chefs that one sees on TV mingling with their patrons in fancy restaurants. Victor and Angelo have a desire to serve and do it with excellence. They take their job seriously and have lots of fun.

The twins will be cooking 1x a month at the Parish Fast Lane Community Diner. They will not only serve healthy fixings but will add an ethnic flare from time to time. Their specialty is Filipino Style.

The Parish Fast Lane Community Diner – Check it out!

Wednesday Nights

6:00 – 7:00 pm

$4.00 per person

$12.00 per family –  no larger than 5 persons of immediate family members

Enjoy Victor and Angelo’s YouTube video of their first Parish Fast Lane Community Diner cooking experience: Twin Brothers Feed the Multitudes

Thank you Victor and Angelo!

Love the play clothes, eh?

How long did you say this would take?

Oh! The Vicar Man and his wood. A match made in heaven.

Ahhh Ohhhh! Ti…mmmmm….ber!

Sweetie, I’ve got this!

Yep! He does!

One Proud Vicar Man on a job well done!

The Vicar and I were visiting a lady in the hospital the other day. We entered the hospital lobby and walked down a wide open hallway heading toward the elevators. The Vicar and I were the only ones in the hallway until from a distance a man in a wheelchair appears with an attendant accompanying him. Their leisurely approach toward us was not abnormal but we noticed there was something different about the way he looked. Our eyes focused on the fact that he seemed to look out of proportion and rather stanch sitting in his chair. At the point we were about to pass each other,  we noticed that his whole head was bandaged in lots of white material. Similar to Jack-in-the Box’s Jack head only without the big pointing nose and fake eyes. The location of this person’s lips and eyes were showing, we think, because of the big round holes cut out in those places. We forced our eyes to meet his but before we had a chance to politely look away he says, “Hey, you there! You better be careful, you go in for a simple blood test and you come out looking like this!” Shocked by his jovial comment we cracked a smile but as we continued on our way without a cordial stop to chat we laughed out loud, as did he!

The Vicar Mann’s favorite Birthday Dessert is a Fresh Raspberry Pie. I never could make them to perfection as his mother, Esther. After her passing when his birthday rolled around I would break out in cold sweats just thinking about having to put such a pie together. I could never get the glaze to firm up. I felt horrible about my runny pie glaze but the Vicar Mann never seemed to mind if he could eat it all in one day.

I recently came across a fabulous cooking website called Mennonite Girls Can Cook. Low and behold there was a pie glaze recipe from Judy that she suggested could be made in the microwave. I was ready to try a different tip and knew I could handle the recipe. I was ready to blaze the trail therefore, decided to make two pies and spontaneously invite the neighbors on our street/cul-de-sac to share with us Steve’s favorite dessert on his birthday.

It was so fun! It was like a come as you are party. We ate big pieces of fresh raspberry pie with whip cream and downed it with coffee or milk and sat around the dining room table simply chatting about life. A few hours passed without anyone looking at their watch but as the night sky rose it was a reminder that morning would soon be calling a new work day. The pie was a hit and some still tell me that it was the best fresh raspberry pie they ever tasted…Whew! I was thrilled and Steve had a birthday party right down his alley…He was a happy day at the Vicar’s house.

It was the best Memorial Service I have ever attended. We were remembering my friend, Doris and our parish auditorium was packed on the cool summer evening. I was pleased for the sake of the family but mostly I was pleased for Doris. She would have blushed to have seen so many people. Well, actually she could not have seen the crowd because she was legally blind. But, she would have chuckled while listening to the delightful stories told about her long adventurous life. Doris was unique! Doris’ kindness and optimism endeared her to all she met. Whenever people begin to talk about their connection to Doris, the first gesture of remembrance is the big smile on their face.

Her nephew, Pete (a good friend of the Vicar Mann and me) gave the message. His words more than honored Doris. He described her love for God and how it transferred to her love for life, family, friends and church. Doris recently died from heart failure at the age of 84. A member of the so called Great Generation; Doris lived long, and in my opinion, died the perfect death. I would be happy if God allows me to leave this earth in a similar manner.

Doris was a practical jokester. She loved to play jokes on her husband, Chuck. One time she retired for the evening before Chuck, but actually she lay in waiting. When he climbed into bed, anticipating a peaceful night of rest, Doris brought out the guns–the squirt guns–and shot him up big-time. She knew that Chuck would retaliate at some point when she lease expected but she felt it was worth it. Her delightful love affair with Chuck lasted over sixty-two years.

Doris loved country western music, but only her close friends knew about it because her strict upbringing in the church did not allow her to be so open about her love for that style. To some of her church going peers, this genre of music would have been considered too worldly. I am sure she purposely avoided making mention of her secret passion to friends until she felt that her secret would be safe.

The Vicar Mann and I had been at the parish for less than a year when Doris had her first massive heart attack. God allowed her to live strong for three more years. I was thankful because I wanted to have more time to hang-out with her. It was her humor and her recollection of endless parish stories that were a welcome comic relief to the strains I often felt in our new ministry position. She understood!

I asked Doris several times if she would let me interview her for our parish newsletter. She was uncomfortable with this idea and found ways to avoid my invitation. Several times she caught me trying to record her storytelling on my digital recorder. One time the Vicar Mann and I were visiting her after her first heart attack. We were simply chatting together and in a split second, she sat straight up and said, “Karen, is that a tape machine in your hand?” I was dumbfounded!  She was legally blind but always knew when I had my tiny digital recorder ready to catch her in action. I refrained from collecting her words on tape because that was her wish; but, she was one lady I desperately wanted to interview. Her mind was quick and she clearly remembered amazing details of the parish history. So, I relented and stopped hounding her and simply basked in the enjoyment of her friendship during the next three years.

A few weeks ago, late at night, a call came for the Vicar Mann. Doris had been rushed to the hospital because she had another heart attack. The following day the Vicar Mann and I went to visit Doris. She lay comfortably in her hospital bed in spite the oxygen mask placed over her face. She was in great form and chipper while recapping the events of the prior evening. We were amazed at her memory!

She told us that as soon as Chuck realized what was going on, he yelled at the neighbors in the back yard, “Hey, Doris is having a heart attack call 911.” The ambulance arrived in record time. The EMT’s stabilized her and loaded her in the wagon. They were ready to drive to the hospital and Doris spoke through her oxygen mask and pleaded with the EMT’s to refrain from using the siren because she didn’t want to wake up the neighbors. She told the EMT’s that if she didn’t make it while en route for them not to worry because she is ready to meet her maker.

She continued to tell us that she informed the hospital staff attending her that if she needs to be resuscitated, not to bother because she is ready to go to heaven and meet Jesus. She told them, “I’m telling Jesus to just … “bring it on”–the journey to heaven, of course. She was ready! No second thoughts… she was ready to meet her family members who have gone before her. The Vicar Mann and I looked at her two daughters in the room and heard their joking sarcasm, “I guess we don’t count so much!”

The following afternoon, the Vicar Mann and I dropped by the hospital for another visit with Doris. Before going into the building, we checked our phones just in case someone from the family had called. No messages! As we approached Doris’s room, we saw the curtain drawn. There was no family or friends to greet us. It was a strange feeling and we wondered if something was amiss until we heard Doris’s voice. We breathed a sigh of relief to each other. “She is alive!” So, we waited patiently outside in the hallway. After a moment the curtain glided open. The physical therapist was getting her ready to take a walk down the hall and back again. We watched her slide out of bed attached to the oxygen mask and tank. Her eyes meet ours, she let out a little chuckle and she smiled. We greeted each other with a hug and invited ourselves to stroll along with her down the hospital corridor.

Doris’s walk that afternoon proved to be a very strenuous workout. Her heart was taxed to the limit but she kept focused on finishing the task even though she was eager for a reprieve. Finally she got back to her room and the nurse helped her into bed. After a few moments, the Vicar Mann stood on one side stroking her head, while I stood on the other side holding her hand. Struggling to catch her breath she attempted to talk. She wanted us to know that the hospital social director had been in to see her. It was someone she knew from a previous small bible study group. The Vicar Mann said, “Oh! That’s great Doris. So, does that mean he’s preparing your dance card?” Her eyes were twinkled and the corners of her lips lifted high. Between breaths she squeezed out the words and said, “Right! … ha! ha! ha! … That’s a good one!” She chuckled again as much as her breaths would allow. We laughed together because we knew that even in her weakened condition she got the joke. She would never have been caught dead in a dance hall.

Doris passed from this earthly life and on to her heavenly reward less than twelve hours later. The first thing Chuck said to me at the funeral was, “Ya know Karen, I got to walk Doris down the aisle sixty-two years ago; just a few days ago you and Steve got to walk her to the Pearly Gates”. Out from the depth of his belly, Chuck released a whole hearted laugh and squeezed me tight!