It was an emotional morning at the First UMC - Sidney as we gathered to worship God as a community of faith and to bid farewell to Pastor Charles and Belinda Alkula.Our worship began with lots of energy as joy appeared to be the order of the day. Carolyn Hays contributed the ministry of music while Tom Millman served as our lector and William Draper offered his services as acolyte.
Rilla Draper, with the assistance of grandson William and granddaughter, Grace, brought a "Conference Moment," highlighting some of the news from last week's Annual Conference session. Rilla also introduce some of the cast of animal puppets that we'll be seeing in the coming months!
The worship service included a litany of farewell as Pastor Charles and the congregation moved into a new relationship with the pastor's departure from Sidney this week.
Following the service, we gathered in the fellowship hall and shared cake and treats. Pastor Charles was presented with a cross inscribed with the Lord's Prayer and Belinda accepted a "traveling grace" token for their up-coming car trips.
The morning ended with Deloris Barnhart and members of the church gathering in the prayer room and Deloris being baptized into the Christian faith. She was also presented with a cross and with a prayer shawl (made by Arlene Christensen).
Please see all the pictures from today at this link.
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