"The
Bus" arrives!
Anyone
who was at worship during 2004 knows that Pastor John has repeatedly
talked about "the bus" coming. His initial explanation
about "the bus" was that we have a congregation of
500+ members, but that on any given Sunday we average about
160-170 at our two worship services. His fervent prayer was
that some day "the bus" would come and members would
fill all of the pews.
On
January 16, 2005, the bus finally arrived! Between the two services,
we had 198 at worship which was 36 more than the prior Sunday.
The pews were filled with smiling faces and it was a joyful
service of celebration!
This
idea was originally the brainstorm of Pr. David Blackwelder
and his wife Theda, who mentioned it "wouldn't it be
great if…" to then Council President Trish Boyer
while they shared a meal at the Advent Dinner in December 2004.
Trish and the Blackwelders conspired some more and then Trish
hired the bus, wrote the letter and e-mails to the congregation
and the rest, as they say, is history. What fun!
Some worshippers really "got into it" without extra
coaxing, making it an even more special event. When the bus
passengers disembarked to be greeted by Pastor John, Lucy Mehl
presented him with a special bus-topped straw hat. She also
managed to find a plate and cup somewhere in New York upon which
are written, "Dear God: If we miss the bus, will
you send another one?"
After
Pastor visited the bus passengers on board, one parishioner
remarked that they 
were
glad he didn't ask for a plane or a boat! In his own inimitable
way, Pastor simply replied, "Next time I'm asking for buses
(plural)!"
If
you were there, you know what a joyous celebration it was. If
you weren't, then enjoy these wonderful memories. There
are many more photos of the fun in a collection in our website
photo albums. No
one ever accused Reformation of being a "stuffy" congregation!
Photos
are courtesy of Mike Callahan of Zahn's Photo Visions,
John Eustis and Trish Boyer.
