Memorial Weekend

Words can never describe the experience of the rainbow celebration on Pensacola Beach each Memorial Day weekend. As usual I went out early (7:45AM) Thursday to await the big event...the set-up of the tent and staging. This year it was quite a wait so I got a little sun-burned but not too bad.

Kent's Tent and Special Events always comes through for us. Out of the kindness of his heart, the guy who's in charge of setting up the tent crowns the top with our pink cross. This year our cross had a new paint job and lights thanks to Melissa and Karen. It was so beautiful, especially at night. Some folks who attended the all night party said it was awesome to look up and see the cross. I think many seeds were planted all weekend, seeds that will grow into the truth of God's love for ALL people.

Just as words cannot express the experience of MDW, words cannot express my thanks to our Outreach Ministry, Administration, BOT Special Events and Worship for a job well done. Thanks specifically to Booth for conducting the service and preaching the last two years. And what a dedicated Praise Team to haul all of that equipment out there and sing prasies to God as folks are waking up on Sunday morning.

When we first began this outreach seven years ago I carried the load of making the weekend happen. And little by little I was able to let go and let others carry parts of the load. Now we are a smooth running team and we learn how to make it better each year. And while it's good for me to be there and I enjoy it so, we have come to the point that my presence is not necessary for us to have a strong presence throughout the weekend. Praise be to God and to God's people at Holy Cross MCC!!!

And now for the best news of all, we conducted a baptism on Saturday. Matt was baptized as an infant and he wanted to be baptized in the gulf. He and I went down to the water and with the hustle and bustle of all the people, I baptized him and prayed for him right in the midst of it all. What a blessing that was for him and me.

Here is a GREAT BIG THANK YOU to the many people who gave of their time, talent, treasure and truth to make this MDW such a huge success. May God bless you richly. Know that your pastor loves and appreciates you and more importantly, I think God is smiling at you!!!