Thanks Dr. Bill

Last weekend I was honored to become the Godfather of Evan James Stutz, my best friend's baby boy.  The baptism was at St. Luke's Methodist Church in Orlando.  The place was huge!  It has a glorious pipe organ, one of the handbell choirs rang, it was marvelous.  Evan didn't fuss a bit during the baptism.  "Dr. Bill," the Senior Pastor preached a wonderful sermon.  It was really a blessing to just be in worship, and to feel like I was worshipping.  Often when I go to worship somewhere it is to find out what others are doing in worship or there is some other purpose.  I have a great deal of difficulty turning off my "third eye" that is always analyzing and often prevents me from just worshipping.  It was a real gift.

Catching up

I'm constantly amazed at how quickly time flies.  I couldn't believe how much time elapsed since my last post. The holidays were a great joy.  Watching Caleb and Cole at the various family Christmas celebrations was a hoot to say the least.  It was great to spend time with family, and for the New Year, to reconnect with some friends of old that I had lost touch with. 

The webmaster for the congregation's website is working on some updates for the new year. We are starting a blog started at blog.stpaulhaskins.org.  Posts there will mostly be congregation related...prayer requests, announcements, devotional thoughts, etc. Nothing is posted yet, but feel free to bookmark it and see where it goes.  

On January 2nd I took my sister Jacki to Chicago to see Wicked.  We had a GREAT day.  I had seen the show in NYC last summer, and this cast was just as good.  Not to mention, by PURE LUCK we got tickets in the 4th row center stage.  I could count the threads in the actor's costumes.  WOW! Jacki is a long time Wizard of Oz lover, so when I drew her name for Christmas I knew this was the trip we had to make. My friend Vicki often makes reference to Wicked as a source of inspiration and transformation in her life.  I agree.  I get it.  Jacki loved it.  We were both "changed for good!"

I am working hard this week to get two weeks worth of work done.  Next Tuesday to Thursday I am at the Synod's pastor conference.  Thursday night Cheryl and I deliver the boys to Grandma and Grandpa in Columbus and then fly to Orlando for the weekend so I can become the Godfather for little Evan Stutz.  I can't wait!