A day of rejoicing – All the people

First there are the children, enjoying an old fashioned birthday party in their own space with more than enough hotdogs and birthday cupcakes to go around.

The Social Hall is filled to capacity with diners enjoying saurbraten, bratwurst and kraut, potato pancakes, cooked red cabbage, homemade applesauce, and a plethora of German-style desserts prepared by the talented and dedicated volunteer cooks of Smithfield Church.

Representatives of the United African Fellowship, which meets at Smithfield for worship every Sunday afternoon, were welcome guests along with our good friend Smithfield Cafe owner John and his wife.

 

The big question: "Who in attendance has been a member of Smithfield Church the longest?"

With all members present standing, Pastor Doug asks those who've been members for two and a half or fewer years to sit down. Members for five years or fewer? Many are in these first two groups.

For 10? 20? 30? 40? Gradually the number of those standing grows smaller.

Still, we've a goodly number whose length of membership is greater than the ages of at least half of those in the room. 50? 60? We reach the 70s and a handful of folks still stand. 71, 72, 73, 74, 75 . . . And then only one remains standing.

Ruth's granddaughter, representing the fifth generation of this family's membership at Smithfield Church, sings one of Ruth's favorite songs and receives a warm hug from a proud Grandma.

The festivities are brought to a close with the Spirit-filled words of the President of the Congregation.

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  – through you and me!