More Graduation Photos

Wesley and Lydia had some graduation pictures taken together the day after her graduation. All we knew was that we had a graduation surprise coming. The pictures just came in and they turned out so well. It was a wonderful surprise!! 

 

Endings and Beginnings

Last Sunday, I traveled down to Fort Myers and met up with our district staff (Sandy and Lynn) as well as our district lay leader (Nancy) to attend the final worship service of Wesley Memorial UMC in Fort Myers. They were not able to overcome the damage from Hurricanes Ian and later Hurricane Helene. 

The church originally started in a bowling alley so each speaker during the closing worship added a bowling pin to the altar until there were 10. 

Our district leadership in support of Rev. Susie Horner, the church's pastor. 

Some of the historical pieces headed to the archives. 

These two windows were originally from the now closed First UMC Fort Myers. They are moving over to a new home at Cypress Lake UMC in town. 

 

My Zoom Companions

These two furry friends joined me on my Zoom calls today. 

If they aren't in the room with me when the Zoom starts, then Bella opens the door when she hears me talking and lets the two of them inside. 

 

Under Armour Nationals at IMG

Saturday Wesley had the opportunity to compete in the inaugural Under Armour Nationals held at IMG Academy. There were 17 competitors in the boys high jump, divided into two flights. He almost cleared 1.92m but not quite. He finished 4th in his flight and 11th overall. Super proud of all of his accomplishments this season. 

Wesley's highest clear jump at 1.87m. 

 

Short Week

Monday was a holiday and Thursday I was out for a sick day. But the other days were plenty full. Sunday I preached for Pentecost at First UMC of Palmetto. We had a great Sunday of worship together. I loved the tour I got afterwards of the church's stained glass window, especially in their recently renovated basement chapel. On the way home I found a labyrinth in Sarasota for a prayer walk. 

And on Tuesday I spent the day in Lakeland getting ready for Annual Conference, plus a whole bunch of other meetings on Zoom throughout the week for it. In Lakeland I was grateful to spend time with my friend Latricia as well as time with the OCE Office Manager Holly. 

 

Memorial Day

We spent Memorial Day relaxing at home. I got in some time reading and floating in the pool. Daryl made burgers for dinner. And then Parker and I went for a beach walk to close out the day. 

 

Let's Celebrate Wesley Some More

We got access to some of the professional pictures from last week at IMG. Here is Wesley with Mark Napier, the head track coach at Commitment Day. 

And a few pictures from the graduation ceremony. 

These are pictures Wesley took with some of his track friends after the ceremony was over.