Happy Easter, my friends!
In about a half hour, the kids and I are headed up to Michele's where we'll spend the next three days. The kids are killing the time right now by looking for any remaining Easter eggs hidden under the couches and registering their new Webkinz duck and german shepherd - "Quackers and Angus" respectively. Those kids just can't get enough of the Webkinz.....
We attended FBC's service this morning. While I've heard feedback that it was a little lacking in the "warmth" that I've seen in services in the past, personally, I enjoyed the very apologetics approach of John Vawter's message. I appreciated how cut and dry he made the argument for Jesus' resurrection - for who He really was, and the illogic for making Him out to be anybody but who He proclaimed Himself to be. I think Dr. Vawter has been an exceptional interim pastor - divinely placed in our church "for such a time as this". We really are a church right now that is a bit wounded, in a big part because of the loss of Pastor Hodge and the anxiety everyone feels with who will be head pastor in the future and how much of our current staff with remain in place when that happens. In addition, everyone is still very much reeling from news that was shared last weekend regarding the confession of a member of our staff. It couldn't have been handled any better, but simply the discovery of the situation was very, very difficult for a lot of people. (I will probably post again on this one - I have seen some of the best in people and worst emerge from the fallout of this, and am not sure I can let it go without commenting on it).
Afterwards, we hurried home, Grandma Liupakka and Daddy hid eggs while I occupied the kids in the bedroom, and then headed to McGrath's for brunch. I was surprised when we got there that there were not more people, I thought others would have the same idea as us - but then, we figured out - McGrath's doesn't serve brunch anymore - haven't since 2005! That's the only reason why I've liked McGrath's in the past - I'm not much of a seafood person. Given that I was ready to enjoy some savory belgian waffles or french toast (I am done with Atkins as of this morning) - it was quite a disappointment for myself (and the kids - I think Grandma and daddy were just fine with it). Oh well, the Mahi mahi was healthier for me.......
So, that's it for the great Easter excitement around here. I hope you had a blessed holiday - I'll post more when I get a chance from the Schilling lodge......
Happy Easter to you all too, Steph! Your family looks beautiful. Have fun at Michelle's!
ReplyDeleteI just had a long post, and my computer lost it.... Bummer!
ReplyDeleteI am glad you enjoyed the service. I am not sure why Travis and I didn't enjoy it as much as other Easter services. You are 100% right though, Dr. Vawter did a very good job with his message on Jesus' resurrection, I just wanted (for my own selfish reasons) him to be more energetic and excited for what Jesus did for us up on that cross. As sad of a time as that was, it was also an awesome point in time; knowing that Jesus died on that cross for my sins. I guess I just expected Dr. Vawter to be a little more excited about praising God for such a wonderful gift.
Anyway, I'll admit that it is kind of selfish for me wanting church to speak to my heart enthusiastically each and every time, but I also have to admit that in the 9 plus years we have been attending FBC I have walked out of church excited, touched, and spoken to about 95% of the time; and I think I was just expecting the same for this Easter service.
Yes, maybe it has a lot to do with what our church has been through this past year, and all of the unknowns right now. I still enjoy Dr. Vawter, and I agree that he has done a wonderful job as interim pastor.
Thank you for the post, Stephie, I think it really helped me work through some of the feelings I had about the service, and why I wasn't as touched by the message. I love you, and hope you have a great time at Chele's!
I love that last picture! It's classic!
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