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Evergreen Outreach-Nov. 25, 2010

By Edith Elliott

This is the week of giving thanks, and in this column we want to give thanks for the many volunteers that help make EO possible.
In a later writing, we hope to give many names. Today, we will highlight a few.
Miles Filer faithfully holds the door open and greets each person as they arrive. We so appreciate you, Miles.
Our bus drivers, Russ Osborne, Don Carpenter, Bob Durbin and Wietse Schaafsma, make it all possible. You guys are great! Russ drove today.
SoftFIRE, David and Patricia Pence, playing many instruments and singing, always arrive early and stay late. Today, they played and sang, “When the Redeemed of the Lord Shall Return,” “The B-I-B-L-E,” and “God’s Wonderful People.”
David and Patricia talked of Jerusalem and how there are 15,000 Christians there.  When Christ comes, we will have a new Jerusalem.
Phyllis Rames, leader of the day, entertained with a couple of jokes.
The first one: “Now Johnny, do you say your prayers before dinner?" He answered, “I don’t have to, my mom’s a good cook.”
Another one: “A little boy was attending his first wedding. After the service, his cousin asked him, “How many women can a man marry?” “Sixteen,” the boy answered. His cousin was amazed that he answered so quickly. “How do you know that?” he asked.  “Easy," the little boy replied. “All you have to do is add it up: four better, four worse, four richer and four poorer.”
We sang "Happy Birthday" to Anne Ledbetter, Phyllis Hartwick, Linda Marie Francisco, Ruth Reeter, Wade Levy and Jimmy Sharp.  
Phyllis led in the “EO" and "Welcome” songs.
The Rev. Roger Grimmett, pastor of First United Methodist Church, gave a Thanksgiving message, based on Luke 17:11-19.
“We offer thanks and extend our reach through giving," Grimmett said. "Ten lepers were healed, but only one returned to give Christ thanks.
"The Bible says that in the end times, people will be lovers of themselves more than lovers of God. And they will be boastful, arrogant and ungrateful.
"If you want your life to be different and those around you to be different, then begin to express your gratitude and show thanks to God and others.
"You will begin to see a change in yourself and how others respond to you when you offer thanksgiving."
Phyllis had the guests tell what they are thankful for. Many folks responded. Many were thankful for friends, for God in their lives and for family.
Grimmett told of the 1,100 shoeboxes transported from Vandalia to Effingham for Franklin Graham's Samaritan's Purse outreach to children around the world.
EO guest Sharon Lee said that her address is Room 13 in the Central High Apartments.
In the pinochle corner, John Hunsley and Richard Kruenegel had no wins, while Peggy Lippold and Shirley Locke had three.
EO will continue to meet in Wesley Hall at First United Methodist Church.
Our condolences to the friends and family of Lawrence Brown, who passed away this week. He will be sorely missed.
The Forgiven Trio will be with EO next Monday.
Have a Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

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