A grand day at Church

This morning we dedicated the grand piano in the sanctuary during morning worship. Several members of the Royce family was present for the occasion as we remembered Doris and Leonard Royce in whose name it was given.

Leonard and Doris grew up in the church and served in many ways over the years. Leonard was the singer in his younger days but he was also involved in the Deacons, Trustees and in so many other ways. Doris always joked that she couldn't carry a tune but she loved the music. She found her own ways to serve as well. She was the very visible presence that most people met when they entered the church. Her smile, hugs and love of all things First Baptist were well known by generation after generation of our FBC family.

Leonard passed away in 1999 and after Doris went home to be with him a few years ago, the family decided to honor their memory with the gift of this beautiful piano. We had planned to dedicate it some time ago but we couldn't get everyone together until today. Bonnie Koch, Frank and Bette Royce, Cynthia and Dick Strouse, David and Mary Royce were in the service today with some of their children.

As part of the dedication service, Lori Lord and Adele DiBiagio played a four handed duet on the piano. Then we stood and gave thanks to God for the gift of music and dedicated it to his glory. Today's sermon focused on the passage in Exodus 16 where the people began grumbling about God. Moses reminded them that their grumbling was really complaining about God. Then God told them that he was going to provide for them but they needed to trust him. I made reference to the fact that Doris lived life with this kind of faith and dependence on God.

A few of the members of our Appalachian Mission Team were on hand and Taylor Chaffee and Erica Corbett shared a few words about the trip. In my sermon I also talked about a couple of the ways we saw God at work while we were there.

We had several special guests with us during the service today. Casey Rezendes was up from Maryland and present with his mom, Amy and her friend Rosie. Stacia and Alana Green were up from Florida and visiting with Fred and Gwyn.

We closed the service in a circle of fellowship after sharing the Lord's supper together. Afterwards we took a few photos. Dick Strouse made me laugh after the service when he reminded me that the hour and twenty five minute service would have drawn a comment from Len Royce, who was always quick to point out if we went over time. None-the-less it was a great day.

Cal