"Feeding the Multitude"

Those of you who have followed this blog for awhile have seen a few posts regarding my participation in the United Methodist Women of my church.  I presently hold an office in my local Unit, as well as an office for my District.

Well, I've been away a few days for a UMW event that occurs only every four years - the Southeastern Jurisdiction Quadrennial Meeting for the UMW.  It was held in Birmingham, Alabama this year, with the theme of "Feeding the Multitude."  Those who attended had been asked to bring along non-perishable food items that would be given to those who serve the hungry in Birmingham.  There were large baskets in the center of the tables at Friday evening's dinner.  This is where the donations were placed, creating a most meaningful centerpiece!

There were five to six hundred attending, and we were blessed to hear the message given by Bishop Violet Fisher.  She challenged us to "add another leaf to the table!"  The scripture passage came from John 6:1-14, which tells the story of the loaves and fishes.  In fact, this story appears in all the gospels.

What are WE doing to "feed the multitude?"  Have we "added another leaf to the table?"

On Friday there was time to venture out on the trolley.  We passed some picture-worthy locations, and I tried to take this one of the beautiful park.

From the moving bus.

As you can see, it is not the best picture around.:-)  It would have been good to be able to get off the bus and walk through this park for better pictures of several other areas.

Program book.

The Program Book contained the order we would follow for the meeting, plus bios of those who were participating in parts of the service.  Also included were copies of the songs we sang.  I was pleased to be part of the Quadrennial Choir as I was able to arrive in time for the scheduled rehearsal.:-) 

Oddly enough, Internet access was not a "given" in the hotel where we were staying and meeting.  So - I have become a bit behind with my usual "blog business."  I'll try to catch up with those of you whose blogs I have been following in the next few days.

Now, I know this is not the topic I had announced for the next blog post, so that will come up next.  Also, that first Tuesday date is coming around again, and I am cooking for the Adult Day Care of my church.  There will be some recipes in the near future as well. 

Today is absolutely gorgeous here, and we are enjoying the day.  I hope that is true for you where you are!

Thank you for following along.  I really enjoy your comments.