I'm Back!

As seems to be the case too often, it's been too long since I last wrote. We were away most of the last of August and first week of July, and I don't khave a laptop. Have been trying to catch up since, and am sort of back on track.

Tomorrow is a big day at Saint Mark. We have a brief activity in the service to get ready for our Capital Campaign kick-off next Saturday. As part of camp meeting month we have our staff bluegrass band and choir making their inaugural performance in worship. But most critical for me will be baptising my first granddaughter, Naomi Jones, at the second service.

We've been a little while getting here with all that has been going on in Allyson and Phillip's life this past year, but tomorrow is the day! Naomi, now about 17 months old, is just about the cutest little girl I have ever seen. She talks all the time - I have no idea what she's saying - and has the most wonderful smile. I especially like it when she smiles at me. And tomorrow we will share the good news that she is a beloved child of God, made in the image of God. The congregation will pledge on behalf of the - as of now unknown - church that Allyson and Phillip will join later, it's love and support for all of them as Naomi grows as a child of faith. Stan and Josh will be here, along with Philip's parents. And we will eat lunch at the Varsity. it is alost too good to be true. I thank God for the priviledge of being part of this sacred event.

Jimmy