Jeanette Johnson
May 28, 2008 12:59 pm
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The recent Friendship Luncheon in First Presbyterian Church in Stillwater focused on “God’s Wisdom Inspires Hospitality.” The underlying scripture is found in the book of Matthew, Chapter 25, verses 35 and 40, in which Jesus said, “I was a stranger and you welcomed me…Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of these who are members of my family, you did it to me.” (NRSV)
In the new fellowship hall, Christian women of all denominations gathered to celebrate in fellowship. Women of the First Presbyterian Church provided the lunch. The women of St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church presented the program.
We were welcomed by Judy Lewis, president of Church Women United of Stillwater.
Chris Murphy, moderator, First Presbyterian Church gave the invocation before lunch.
The participants were Nan Bokorney, Sally Denny, Mame Devlin, Nancy Doyle, Jo Geresi, Sandrel Jones-Webster, Marilyn Middlebrook, Joyce Montgomery, Marguerite Scruggs, Kathie Tanner, Kay Wagner, Mary Lou Walker, Mimi Ward and Rose Wilkinson.
Speaker Sandrel Jones-Webster discussed mental health issues and how NAMI is there to reach out in the community.
Devlin shared the significance of the fellowship of the Least Coin offering.
Marguerite Scruggs led the prayer of dedication. 2 Kings 4:9,10; Acts 16:14,15; Acts 28:13-14; Luke 5:30-32; Luke 14:12-14; Luke 19:5,6; 24:28-32; I Peter 4:9l; Romans 12:13; and Hebrews 13:2 were biblical passages used to discuss God’s hospitality at home and in the community.
The hymns were “Draw Us in the Spirit’s Tether,” “Gather Us In” and “Here I am Lord.”
The introduction to the CWU Friendship Day celebration was followed by the sacrum prayer.
The litany was read and the Friendship Day offering was received.
Gifts and oral tributes to Elizabeth Rogers for 60 years of service followed. I will always remember the woman and the moment. Each of us are enriched and deeply touched by her Christian values that exhibit honor, holiness, family, friendship, joy, service and respect for others.
Our celebration was closed with the benediction.
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