|
The
Praise Dancers were given a standing ovation.
The
program moved along and a young St. Ailbe youth
walked to the altar and began to narrate the story of a
beggar woman. To
our astonishment, out of the congregation came an old
woman, she moved slowly and her body was slightly bent
and hunched over... She was dressed in very dark.. worn...
tattered clothes. She carried a pot, a big
stone and a spoon. The narrator continued with the story as the old woman put the
stone in the pot and started stirring. She longed
for a hot meal and she began crying.
The young narrator said
"The old woman sat on the comer crying out from
her heart "I want some corn!"... "I want
some potatoes!"... "I want some peas!"...
"I want some carrots!"... and "I want a
soup bone!" Each time: She would hit the
pot with the spoon and the clanging sound would
pierce the silence in the Church. Each time:
Someone, who heard the old woman brought the item
she requested (individuals came
from
the congregation with offerings) Each Time:
She placed the item in her pot and continued to stir
and the old woman began to smell the aroma of soup
from the pot. The young narrator then said "That
goes to show you, you can walk on the water
but you've got to get out of the boat." he continued with
"Then
after you've done all you can... Just stand."
God
will always provide a way." The
congregation was mesmerized by this well enacted
demonstration of faith, hope and charity. Tears
rolled down many cheeks. This story was a wonderful inspirational reminder of God's merciful
Love for us all. The congregation gave a standing
ovation for this performance. The young (nine year
old) narrator was William Neuton and Legertha Barner
played the role of the beggar woman.
As though compelled by the Holy Spirit moving within the
hearts of the Choir, they sung out the uplifting
words of "I am Blessed". with soloist,
Joellen Backstrom's strong voice bellowing out
fluid and rippling tones. "I am
Blessed" the words rang throughout the Church!
Hands flew up in the air, people stood up, There
were a few shouts of "Amen", "Thank you
Jesus", "Yes I am" and heads
bobbed in rhythm demonstrating an open
testimony of faith and praise to God. The song
continued and the congregation was up on their feet
time after time giving standing ovations. This was
perhaps one of the most moving Prayer Luncheon's
ever witnessed at St. Ailbe. Afterwards, people embraced and
greeted one another, there were handshakes, hugs,
kisses, and smiles.
There was a Prayer
Basket Ceremony and this was the most significant part of
the Luncheon.
Each person was invited to write his
own prayer petition and drop the petition in the basket as the song
was sung "Hear Our Prayers, Oh Lord".
A limited amount of pencil and paper was passed out
to
the congregation and others excitedly
scrambled in pockets and purses so that their
prayers would not be left unanswered. It was
obvious no one wanted to miss the blessings for
their
prayers. The baskets were taken to the
front of the Church for special blessings. "After
you've done all you can... Just
stand."
|
Father John Breslin gave the final Prayer and sited
the Word of the Lord... Matthew 18: 19-20
Again,
(amen,) I say to you, if two of you agree on
earth about anything for which they are to
pray, it shall be granted to them by my
heavenly Father... For where two or three
are gathered together in my name, there am I
in the midst of them."
Father John gave special thanks to all the dedication
and hard work it took to give the gift of this
Prayer Luncheon... with great expression, he
continued "Another job well done for the Lord!!"
Then the congregation
of more than 200 dispersed and many proceeded from the Church to the lower level,
where we broke bread together. The hostess
(Jacqueline Jones) was there to see that everyone
was seated and comfortable. We were served a very lavish
and tasteful luncheon. Words overflowed in the room of this
blessed and shared experience. This was another true
showing of fellowship among St Ailbe
parishioners.
Special
Thanks from The Good News Outreach Ministry:
Please allow us to shout enthusiastically
"THANK YOU" to all of you
for your attendance and involvement in our Annual
Prayer Luncheon!...
We are still glowing. We feel so honored and humbled
by all the positive
feedback. We are blessed to be a part of such a
great church family, friends and neighbors.
The Dove As a Christian symbol it was frequently used in ancient ecclesiastical art. As a
symbol of the Holy Spirit it appears especially in
representations of Our Lord symbolizing inspiration
or rather Divine guidance. (Matthew 3: 16)
Matthew 3: 16 “After Jesus was baptized, he
came up from the water and behold, the heavens were
opened (for him), and he saw the Spirit of God
descending like a dove (and) coming upon him”.
|
