Sunday, December 29 -- My Birthday, the Family at Church, Retirement Reception

 On Saturday night while at the church for the family pictures, I "snuck" down to the Sunroom to see the decorations.  The Staff did great with it all!!

Sarah Martin had asked for pictures of Jeff, so I sent her the link to my Google album I did for his 50 years of ministry post and she had those printed and put up all around the room and on the tables.  Thanks, Sarah!!

Nineteen of my Family worshipped together this Sunday!!  A first for all our children, their spouses and 9 of the grandkids (Avi was at her Dad's).  My sister, Kaye, and Rob made a total of 19!  Kaye took the picture right before church started (and Jeff was already on stage).

Jeff doing the "Welcome" for the last time as Senior Adult Pastor

Pastor Jason said some very nice things about him.

The reception was held at 10 (between the two worship services)

It was all so nice - delicious cake, cookies, punch, etc.

We were thrilled our family stayed for the reception (before their long drive home)

Many people came by during that hour and said some very nice things to us!  Antioch is a church full of very warm, loving, caring folks!!  It has been our joy to serve with them and for Jeff to minister to them.  Jeff has also greatly enjoyed working with Pastor Jason and all the Staff (they are the best)!  He will really miss that!  But we will continue to serve and support them and our church family in the capacity of fellow church members!

The girls telling Papa "bye" 😢

Jeff did the welcome in the second service and then we enjoyed a delicious meal at Outback with our "usual" Sunday lunch group (the Harkness and the Heads).  Thanks to Keith and Wilda for buying our lunch for my birthday!!

Yes, they gave me dessert (I shared!) and the servers sang to me 💖!

We received so many nice cards, cash, gift cards and gifts!  THANKS TO ALL!!!

Sunday was also the first anniversary of my Mom's passing (she died around 4:45 a.m. on December 29, 2023) so a bittersweet day as well.  We all miss her but so thankful she is enjoying her best life in Heaven!  This year has flown by.  

Looking forward to 2025 and all that God has in store for us in another new chapter of life!!  Happy New Year!❤️🎉💙