st david's mighty tent

Well, everything I have worked out on paper over the past few months is here. The tent is up and we had our first services in it this weekend. After a ton of rain, winds up to 40 mph, and mishaps with the trolley (that is another story for another day...lets just say I was a few phone calls away from completely losing my mind) Sunday was an amazingly beautiful day. Not a cloud in the sky. Only a gentle breeze. It was perfect. The picture above is what is left of our church after an arson fire in November. This past Sunday was the first time we had worshipped on our own property since November. It was wonderful to be home. The picture below is of the 120x40 foot tent that has been erected in our parking lot. It will seat about 400 people. What an amazing sight to see that going up.

On Palm Sunday every year we march down to the First Christian Church along with several other churches in our area for the Blessing of the Palms. This is a walk beyond description really. We live in Topeka. A well known group of picketers reside here as well. They picket against the Episcopal Church, soldiers coming home from war, and funerals of those who have died in Iraq. Not a nice group of folks really. They accuse all of the above of being gay and sinners against God. The sign they hold are almost pornographic and say things no one should even have to read. They line the street leading up to the Blessing of the Palms every year. And every year we walk the gauntlet. One of the reasons we wanted to be back on our own property so badly during this season was to walk with our community in unity. In unity against hate and destruction. We wanted to show that we were stronger than any arsonist and any other group that has hate so firmly planted in their hearts.

::Procession to First Christian Church::

:Blessing of the Palms (Abby and Momo in blue robes)::

::The Holy Golf Cart...hey you gotta have some fun too!!::