Over the years the kids in our church have seemed to belong to all of us. We watched these little ones as they came to the nursery as infants, ran around the fellowship hall at church suppers, came skipping into Sunday School and VBS. We supported their mission projects, cheered them on in soccer and basketball, attended their band concerts, watched them march in parades. We bought tickets to watch them in dance recitals and high school musicals. And most importantly, we prayed for them. In other words, we were an integral part of their lives, and they ours.
So it only stands to reason that when it's time for them to marry, we all want to be involved in the festivities.
I think our Gretchen was the first one where the "gang" got involved. First there was her shower, given by my precious church sisters. Brian's parents were divorced and lived out of state, so enter my "band of sisters" and Voila! a wonderful rehearsal party.
Our church fellowship hall was turned into a intimate dining bistro.
Time passed and Katie and Peter were married. Once again, a shower and a rehearsal dinner.
Did you notice how everyone is smiling? This isn't work, it's family fun!
Last winter, it was Meghan's bridal shower. And yesterday, a shower for Kyle's fiance.
It isn't just weddings that gets us out and involved. There are graduations, proms, college milestones, and oh yes, babies. All of these happenings are occasions of pride for all of us.
Not having sons of my own, I have been privileged to be able to invest in the lives of the young men of our church, as I know the mothers of sons feel about being involved in the lives of my daughters and other young women. These are "our kids" and we are so proud of them and so pleased to be part of their "village".
9 comments:
That connection is so, so special - a gift to be treasured. It's what I miss so much about St. Greg's.
I really need to get more involved in church - I sure miss St Mary's in PA!
Church families are such a blessing, aren't they? I know I love mine.
Nice pictures, Pam, and a lovely tribute to your church family.
Hugs,
Renie
This post is so cool! It is kind of how it is in the small town where I grew up (my family still lives there). Even when I return home, I have a dozen aunts and uncles (literally and figuratively) wondering what we've been up to and ready to be a part of our life's celebrations -- and well they should be. I learned so much from all of them.
I haven't been to visit that church in years. Brings back many memories.
Mom is doing much better, thank you. She will be having surgery on her other Kidney in a couple of weeks. She developed a serious infection after they worked on her first kidney. They had to post pone it until her body was able to tolerate the procedure.
These pictures are just so happy!!! Church families are so great...we do the same thing at ours. It seems like the same ladies are always there for weddings and new babies and anything special. I just love it!!!
And, changing subjects...here is what I commented about the comment you put on my post earlier today...
Nope, my writing book won't be anything as fun or enlightening as Bird by Bird. :-) The book is actually going to be a practical "here's how to market your writing" book. It's going to be part of a series I'm developing (sort of a "writing for dummies" sort of series). I really do want to write a book of essays, though, and have an idea bubbling around in my mind that I hope to get to after this project. You are SO sweet and, of course you can get a signed copy if you really want it. LOL
LOVE your new fall header.
Taugh. Falls is one of our FAVORITES! Looking forward to more pics...
Love your new header!
Looks like you have a second family....this was a wonderful post and tribute to your church family. That's what I miss about living back home...
(((((( HUGS ))))))
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