117
Email about Easter (3rd service – contemporary) to a friend:
So…
I got to stand up to share in front of the contemporary service, about it being my first REAL Easter… the smile on my friend’s face in the row right next to me, so reassuring… I said I praised the praise band for being a major part (and said I was thankful for you, and my whole church family), that it was awesome and would be happy to share with anyone who wanted to know more… And Pastor said, to the audience, a warning that you better carve out a big chunk of time, and bring a sandwich, and a cot for a nap….. LOL…. awesome….

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118
Email to a friend, Pxxx
thanks for that big smile you had – and I caught out of the corner of my eye – when I said it was my first REAL Easter in the service – I did have courage to be bold yesterday – but that smile helped me keep smiling and I tried to keep it short and sweet – especially since over half that room already knew my story (i have been kinda busy telling folks LOL) and i loved how pastor said bring a sandwich and a cot… LOL…. I do appreciate the time he has given me – as well as everyone and like the 12 pastors I have “on speed dial” – sweet – now I will return the favor and spend time with folks who would normally use Pastor’s time – my extension of concern will help buffer his time crunch, I hope,

but anyway, thanks for that reassuring smile yesterday… it gets easier and easier each day to share – i was able to catch up with like a dozen people yesterday to tell them – including someone who I had been meaning to chat with for a couple of months… it really is better to share individually with folks – and be able to listen to their stories too…one of these days I want to sit down and hear yours!!!

smiles!

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119
Apr8
I had a good catch up conversation with someone about my recent trip but also where I could mention ever so gently that I was appreciated by this branch of the family for not only being me, but also for being a Christian… My friend says he can tolerate my level of religion, lol…I tred lightly always, and he knows how super active I am in church, and he can appreciate the social aspects of it. I did get him to agree that it is the distaste of religions that is what ruins it for so many…And that there is a difference between religion and faith…

Later he said: “Thanks for catching up today! Don’t take my joke too much to heart. I respect your beliefs.”