Summertime growing up in rural Iowa usually meant family reunions to see relatives, playing the annual softball game, hearing stories of past gatherings and “where the kids are now”, showcasing vintage photos and scrapbooks along with an endless buffet of family favorite casseroles, salads, hot-pepper jelly, as well as a counter-top full of other “not-on-my-diet” goodies. Do you have similar family reunion experiences? (It really sounds like a Methodist-approved event with all the food.)
I can still see my folks much more excited than me to rekindle conversations with family. I was, of course like many of us, a very busy person with high school/college/professional career aspirations who put a low priority on these gatherings. As I approach “family elder” status, I now see the value of reunions much clearer. Not just for family connections, but I can still hear mom’s sage advice to stop and smell the roses along the way. Take some time to appreciate life.
Heck, I thought she was just a big Mac Davis fan as his song (Stop and Smell the Roses) was frequently played on our local AM radio stations in mid1970s, encouraging listeners to slow down, appreciate life’s simple pleasures, and cherish moments of love and happiness. Now with both parents and a brother already gone, my oldest brother turning 79 in September, and our own grandkids becoming teenagers, I think Mom had it right. We need to schedule that “stop”.
This fall, our UMCG family has a celebration, a reunion of sorts, that we’ve missed for a couple of decades. A chance for us to bring out your favorite recipe from Swedish Days, confirmation pictures (yes, the ones with your amazing clothing and hair styles); memories from the Christmas pageants with your little angel in the children’s play; photos from Couples Club events or the quilt show in our new sanctuary, on a roof in Mississippi after Katrina, or from your wedding in the sanctuary; blueprints of one of our church renovations; and stories that made you laugh at yoga, overnighting at Lazarus House or during one of many Third Tuesday Suppers.
It’s been too long. It’s time for us to stop and celebrate. I want everyone to be a part of this reunion whether you joined this July or 70 years ago. This is our family.
How can you make the party better?
- Do you have pictures buried in a scrapbook that are special to you? PLEASE find them and send a copy to us before August 15.
- Would you want to record a short video of a church experience? Send me an email in the next couple of days as recordings are being scheduled next week.
- Can you contact your church friends who may have moved and invite them back to UMCG in September? PLEASE send us their name and address and we’ll send a formal invitation.
- Join us at 211 Hamilton, on Friday night, Saturday afternoon, or Sunday service to reconnect with our church family, past clergy, friends and neighbors. (NOTE: My mom also said “showing up” matters most with family. Why not plan on all three days???)
- Finally, we’re posting a Signup Genius for weekend activities and need help to coordinate. Please help make history in 2024 by your presence.
Our church has scheduled a stop on your calendar for a Homecoming celebration, September 27-29, 2024.
It’s time to appreciate the past and make history for our church to remember in 2039 when we reach 200 years! Time to smell the roses!
Love ya Mom ☺
Chuck Howlett, Celebration 185 Committee