Skip to content

Evergreen Outreach

By Joyce Mueller
The last day of April ushers in thoughts of the tradition of May Day, which is celebrated as a spring festival in many countries.
Little baskets of flowers were often placed on doors of friends and neighbors. I think I recall at one time our Vandalia school children had May Day picnics in the park.
So, not to be outdone, EO volunteers placed small May Day baskets on each of the tables, which delighted those attending on Monday.
Piano selections by Betty Stolte set the stage for an enjoyable afternoon; and she then accompanied Joyce Staff who led in the “Welcome" and "EO” songs.
Those celebrating birthdays this week include: Erma Hall, Mike Cross, Kathy Erickson, Brock Brown, Ethel Jackson, Elizabeth Kristle and Cary Neeley.
Thanks go to the volunteers in the kitchen crew, to the bus drivers, to other helpers, and to friends (either regulars or new members), who make the programs run smoothly each week; also thanks to Dorothy Schultz and Joyce Staff, who provided cookies this week.
The devotional theme by the Rev. Tom Ferris, pastor from the First Church of God, was “Story of Influences – King Herod vs. John the Baptist.”
Referring to Mark 6:18-20, “For John had been saying to Herod, 'It is not lawful for you to have your brother’s wife.' So Herodias nursed a grudge against John and wanted to kill him. But she was not able to because Herod feared John and protected him, knowing him to be a righteous and holy man.”
Ferris went on to explain that because Herod had made an oath not to be broken, (due to the indirect influence of his evil wife) John the Baptist was beheaded.
He closed by saying, “The influence we have on one another should be a positive influence, like John the Baptist had to the people to whom he preached.”
Colored paper, crayons, glue sticks and markers were distributed to every table, as everyone began making their own May baskets.
Flowers, candy and greenery were placed in the baskets to give to others or to keep. This was a delightful activity enjoyed all.
In the pinochle corner, Peggy Lippold and Shirley Locke tied with John Hunsley and Ruth Ann Scott, having one game each.
Scheduled next week are: Beulah Brown, leader; the Rev. Joe Lawson, scripture; Pam Childers, pianist; Karen Redfern, writer; and Sha Tedrick’s elementary school class, special entertainment.
My final note is a quote by George Washington Carver: “How far you go in life depends on your being tender with the young, compassionate with the aged, sympathetic with the striving, and tolerant with the weak and strong. Because some day in your life, you will have been all of these.”
CARPE DIEM (seize the day).

Leave a Comment