Today was another first visit – this time to Salem in Rosebud. It felt a bit like my trips to west Texas as I drove by miles of cotton fields, but this congregation is in the Heart of Texas conference, where they are served by Pr. Terry Atkins. Ironically, Pr. Atkins was up in the Panhandle this weekend, attending his high school reunion. (I won’t tell you the number but it’s a big one.)

Memorable moments? Using a songbook from far, far back in my memory for the Sunday School opening. I know there’s still a copy of this songbook back in the home of my youth, and maybe another on my own shelf somewhere.

Also, a return visit to Oscar Store – the cool restaurant out in the middle of nowhere that was the site of a post-Assembly dinner this year. That place is always packed. I was hosted this time by a family in the congregation.

This congregation is well known for their annual barbecue dinner to raise money for the Relay for Life. This year they fed over 800 people and raised over $16,000 for the fight against cancer!  Amazing work for a tiny congregation!

One more observation from someone who mowed the church lawn and cemetery for her first job – look closely at the photo of the church cemetery. Every plot has its own curb. That’s a requirement as soon as you buy a plot. This was a new one for me. Sure would have made my first job easier but far less lucrative and far more unnecessary. I think I would stick with the green grass look, but then that’s my own experience. Definitely a unique look in this cultural context.