Last Thursday, April 26th, Keith & I packed our bags & drove to Boone for a Sunday School Class Reunion. We had not met together as a group in over 20 years.
Back in the 70's & 80's the New Life Class at Westover UMC grew to be extremely close, knitted together by our love for the Lord, our faith in Him, our love for one another.
The pastor during that time, Kenneth, & his wife Rosamond, were precious to us. Their great devotion & love of the Lord allowed us to flourish. (Many of us were also in the Westover choir which Rosamond directed--with an iron fist & hugs).
For at least 10 years the class spent an April weekend "retreating" to the Episcopal Center in Valle Crucis, NC, outside of Boone. For most of those years Ken Helser & his wife Linda led the weekend worship & teaching time.
Then, around 1989, most of the New Life class & their families left Westover. That is another story in itself; it was a time of spiritual upheaval within the Eastern NC UMC. The Lord chose to scatter us out into the Raleigh community in every direction.
With our Sunday School teacher's leadership the retreats continued throughout the years, including a small number of the original group while at the same time adding new folks.
This year Don decided 2012 would be the last Valle Crucis Retreat he would organize. And he wanted the original group, as many as he could contact, to reunite for precious fellowship, plus honor Kenneth & Rosamond who are nearing 90 years "young":)
So, the plan---to meet at the Daniel Boone Restaurant in Boone on Thursday evening for a time of renewing friendships over dinner, staying overnight at the Retreat Center, then continuing the reunion through Friday lunch. After that, those that chose not to stay for the entire weekend could say their goodbyes & check out. Other people would begin arriving Friday afternoon/evening for the second session of the Retreat, lasting through Sunday. Keith & I planned to check out early, then see Skye.
Thursday evening at the restaurant was such fun, welcoming friends we hadn't seen in a long time! Afterward we headed to the Retreat Center where we continued to visit, catch up on life, look at photos. Those who had been part of the choir rehearsed a simple worship song to sing Friday morning. Rosamond was ecstatic about being a choir director again, even if we were rusty & would only have one practice! I was pretty hesitant about this experiment myself--not being part of a choir since the 80's! Ken led us in a few worship songs before folks began drifting off to bed.
Friday morning after breakfast we gathered in the lodge near the stone fireplace. Ken opened our morning session by leading us in 2 or 3 praise songs. Next the choir was up. Rosamond directed our makeshift group in the song "God Is So Good":) Our intentions were "good" & I think God smiled:) Rosamond was giddy:)!
From that point, throughout the morning session, various ones in the group poured out to Kenneth & Rosamond their love for them---how they had inspired our church family, had encouraged us in our faith, had shown God's love in every way:)
Lots of tears.
A sweet time.
Keith & I couldn't say a word--our hearts were too full.
Especially thankful for Kenneth & Rosamond:)
What a blessing to be with these precious folks!
God drew the New Life Class together, then moved us apart to learn more. Change is good, but I don't always see good during transitions, & that is an understatement!! This group has learned so much. God is faithful. He cares for us & He guides & directs us into new situations for His glory & for our good.
Thankful for a time of renewed fellowship, for reflection, & for God's goodness in all things:)
A taste of Heaven.
