Pastor’s Pen
Augusty, 2008
Wanda and I had a good vacation in Northern Wisconsin. We enjoyed being with our grandsons who are now 12 and ½ years old. That means we have two teenagers to look forward to in December. It is fascinating to watch the changes that have taken place over the years. Of course these two are twins but they couldn’t be any more different from each other even if they tried. We did many vacation activities like swimming, tubing, water skiing and anything else we could think up. I ride my Wisconsin bike while there and rented bikes for the boys a couple of times. We put on quite a few miles. One day we even rode to a nearby town for breakfast and then rode back (22 miles in total). It was much fun and good exercise. One of the reasons for this trip was to perform a baptism. It was a wonderful service with about fifty (50) of the lake folks present. I must hasten to add that we are delighted to be back home and worshipping here in the Iona community.
This month much of our time will be spent completing plans for the remainder of the year and also planning activities for 2009. I know this may seem a bit premature but Bishop Smith is planning to be with us on March 8th, 2009. We are returning to the practice of having confirmation and reception in the local congregation at the time of the visitation. Therefore I hope that we will have a number of people to prepare for this sacrament during the first part of 2009. I am delighted that we have been given a time that is during our winter season. This may well provide an ideal opportunity for us to celebrate our Tenth Anniversary as a congregation. We will continue to plan for this event and promise to keep you posted.
In Christ,
John
