Evergreen Outreach

By Edith Elliott
Donna Smith greeted guests with piano melodies from the past at Monday's Evergreen Outreach program. Among those songs were: "My Bonnie Lies Over the Ocean," "How Much Is That Doggie In the Window?" Amazing Grace" and "How Great Thou Art."
The Rev. Jim Fackler led the "Welcome" and "Evergreen" songs. He also recognized those who had birthdays: Sharon Maxwell, Patricia Pence, Susann Schumacher and Margaret Rogers.
Fackler pointed out that Ruth Reeter from Long Term Care is celebrating her 99th year and Miles Filer is celebrating his 90th year.
Telling a story about his grandson, who calls him "ancestor," Fackler said his grandson asked if he could croak. When Fackler asked him why he wanted to know, his grandson replied, "Dad said that when you croak, we can go to Disneyland."
Fackler shared the following trivia about Epiphany:
• Who were the wise men? Answer: Astrologers from the East.
• Why do they talk of three? Answer: Three gifts.
• What were the gifts? Answer: Gold, frankincense and myrrh.
• Why does Matthew tell this story? Answer: To tell how Jesus, Joseph and Mary want to welcome all people to worship God.
Evergreen Outreach participants left Wesley Hall on a high note after being blessed by a performance of the FourGiven Quartet. These very talented men are all "home grown" – meaning that three are from Vandalia and one from Fillmore. Bob Culbertson and Bruce Richards take their lunch break from work to come to EO. Don Arndt drives from Collinsville, where he is helping "plant a church," and Dewayne Brown gives his time from his day off. A heartfelt "thank-you" to each one.
Among the songs sung by the quartet were: "I'm a Child of the King," "Wouldn't Take Anything for My Journey Here," "Rich In Faith and Hope and Love," "You'll Find Me Touring That City" and "Swing Low, Sweet Chariot."
Culbertson, who is the quartet's comedian, offered a message on a serious note. He said that all the stuff we got for Christmas will go away, but the gift of Christ will be with us always.
It was a great note to end a great EO gathering.
At the first pinochle table, Wolf Schlicht and Shirley Locke tied with Peggy Lippold and Mary Woolsey with one game each.
At the second table, John Hunsley and Flo Lange won three games, while Richard Kruenegel and Rosamund Hobler were winless.
Next week, EO will meet at Long Term Care at Fayette County Hospital.