From Bradenton to Georgia

I worshipped at Rogers Community UMC in Bradenton. After worship several folks were gathering up food to take to feed the homeless in the community. 

Tuesday and Wednesday I was in St Simon's Island for the SEJ Cabinet Consultation at the retreat center: Epworth by the Sea. It was good to be with all the superintendents and bishops from around the southeastern United States. The retreat center is on the river between the mainland and the island and the views are beautiful for sunrise and sunset. 

There's a great labyrinth on the island that I made it over to walk: Christ Church Frederica. 

One of my best friends is on the Cabinet in North Georgia. Loved spending time with Laurie this week. 

I made it back on Wednesday night for in time to see the boys before they went to bed. Thursday I spent in meetings at Daryl's church in Venice. 

 

Road Trip to St Simon's Island

I spent Monday driving up to St Simon's Island. Super smooth ride in the rental. 

South Georgia is cold this week! I got my room on the water, but I'm bundled up. 

I unloaded and unpacked and then walked for about an hour to stretch my legs and get my steps in. 

Sunset on the river. 

And for dinner, my cousin Russ and his wife Karen drove down from Kilkenny to meet me. We spent 3 hours talking over dinner - so good to spend time with them! 

 

Driving Practice

Davis is getting in more and more driving practice lately with his permit. This Saturday he drove us up to Seffner for Uncle Daniel's birthday party. He did well! 

 

Temporary Wheels

I had to pickup a rental car for a Cabinet trip to Georgia later this week. They gave me a choice between a 2026 Equinox and a 2026 Santa Fe. I'm set to get a new car later this year and I already drove a Santa Fe in the fall as a rental and fell in love. This one doesn't have all the bells and whistles of the model I want but the boys thought it was pretty neat when I brought it home today. The real test - there was enough leg room for Wesley in the middle row and plenty of room for Davis in the third row. 

 

Family Birthdays

We went to Seffner on Saturday night to celebrate Daniel's birthday.... he's 40 + 7 now!

 

Clergy Day Apart and Other Things

Lots of Zoom meetings this week for me and then I helped coordinate the Bishop's Clergy Day Apart at camp on Thursday. That night I was able to hang out with my covenant group for dinner. 

One of our South West district pastors gave the lunch blessing. 

A few of our South West district pastors who made the trip up! 

And Friday, I preached for the Deacon Retreat. 

 

Highlands Fun

On our last day in NC, Daryl took Parker and Wesley over to Highlands to ride the Scaly Screamer alpine coaster, do a little shopping and have lunch. They had a good time. Davis stayed home with me because he didn't want to ride the coaster and I wasn't feeling up to leaving the bed. 

These super cute decorations were in the back of Highlands Pizza where they stopped for lunch.