It was a hot, humid Sunday, the type of Sunday that tempts people to stay home in air-conditioned comfort, but attendance was actually pretty good, 19! We are about to break that 20 hurdle.
We had a guest pastor, Bishop Cosmos from Botswana, who offered to preside over communion. This was the first time we were able to have communion since February and so we welcomed his offer even though the bulletin was already printed. Everyone seemed happy for this worship surprise.
The Theme for the Sunday was Saints Peter and Paul. Our bulletin addressed the liturgical theme, while the rest of worship noted that this is the week of Independence Day, so we had a patriotic sermon and sang a couple of patriotic hymns. One of our Swahili members had just received his permanent residency papers and commented that these hymns meant more to him this year,
Our Congregational Meeting after church went well and those present voted unanimously to officially challenge the Bishop's decisions in regard to our congregation. A synod representative questioned the quorum but a review of members (full, associate and baptized) revealed that the 12 votes reflected a quorum of the congregation's official voting membership.
We have a new member! We have been in conversation with Hudson Ayo, who has been attending regularly for several months. He has accepted our invitation to join. Hudson's broad expertise in the financial and business world will be a big help as we rebuild our church.
Next week Janeth Muganyizi will be leading music, Stanley will lead worship. Brendan will be away so most of the service will be a cappella -- no problem for our members. We pick up and sing without accompaniment all the time! It's the beginning of vacation season, but make an effort to come and support Janeth in her worship leadership.
