Lake Palestine U.M.C.
by Barbara Cade

Everyone was wondering if Easter was going to be wet and cold or warm and sunny. The sunrise service in the new amphitheater at the lake was in jeopardy if it was wet and cold. As it turned out, the service in the amphitheater with all our wonderful friends from Chandler First United Methodist was mildly cold, but not wet. Both Rev. Munch and Rev. Prather preached while Ken Reid led in some beautiful songs. It was a wonderful way to start Easter for everyone.

After the service, a breakfast was held inside the church. The crowd enjoyed doughnuts, pancakes, sausage, bacon, orange juice and coffee.

At the 11:00 AM service we were happy to see everyone showing up in their Easter outfits. The choir even got to wear robes for the special Easter mini-cantata. Angela Martin was the soloist for that with narration being given by Rev. Prather, Martha Different, Dale Whisenhunt, Mary Ann Whisenhunt, and Herb Botts.

During the week leading up to Easter there was a lot of activity going on at the church. Tuesday night was a Seder meal presentation given by a representative from Jews for Jesus. Tables were set up with some of the traditional Passover foods, and those in attendance got to try them out.

Thursday was the Maundy Thursday service and Friday was the Good Friday service.

However, several church members could not be in attendance at these services for various reasons. Some, like Bernard and Linda Massey were out of town. They went with Herb and Dorothy Botts to Mississippi where they camped out along the Mississippi River and watched all the boat traffic go by. They said they had a wonderful time.

Also, Lillian Stegall is on a trip to San Francisco. She left early last week after viewing the Passion play at St. Boniface.

Jan Decker is still recovering from her knee surgery. We are hoping to see her back in church soon.

Angela Martin was gone all week on a trip to Arkansas. She got back just in time to sing her solo on Sunday.

Ken Cade's mother, Rose, is still in Mother Frances Hospital where she has experienced many ups and downs with her health. Ken has had to spend a lot of time with her there.

LeeAnn Boggs is improving and is now out of ICU and recovering from her surgery.

Charles Johnson is still having a lot of difficulty with his health. We are praying for him and for Sue.

We are also praying for Dan and Dorothy Newsom as they cope with Dan's illness.

Donna Franko has been home with her cold or flu for about a month now. She's hoping to see the last of it soon.

Rich Franko has been keepthat ing busy working on the video and sound for a lot of church projects this past week. He even produced a DVD of the Passion play.

Kaethe Griffin has injured her foot again, but that didn't stop her from getting to church on Sunday. We hope it feels better fast.

Richard and Rebecca Prather were excited to have their daughter, Jessica, from Houston visiting them this weekend.

Frank and Sandy Guerin brought a whole group of family members to church for Easter. It was great meeting all of them.

It was also good seeing Debbie Miller who brought along her son and her grandfather on Sunday.

Now that Easter Sunday is behind us, it's time to start thinking about summer and vacations and probably more meetings. But that's all in the future. There are a few church meetings this week, but mostly, everyone will be just relaxing for a little bit.