Granddaddy Update

Our Dad and Granddaddy, Wayne Allen, died peacefully at the Hospice House on Monday morning with Joyce, Daniel and Daryl with him. We are so thankful for the graciousness of the Hospice House staff that allowed so many family members to be present with him on Saturday through Monday. 

Our hearts are broken - we appreciate so much all of your support and your prayers which we can feel holding us up at this time. Below is the obituary that will run in the paper this week. 





 Allen, Wayne H., age 70, of Seffner, passed away on September 17, 2018. Born in Tampa on July 28, 1948, he graduated from Hillsborough High School in 1966. He served in the US Army from 1968-1970. For 30 years he worked for Sierra Construction in Tampa, developing their handicap accessibility division, and retiring as vice-president. An active member of the First UMC of Seffner for over 40 years, he served in many leadership roles, and volunteering with Boy Scout Troop 797. Wayne was preceded in death by his parents, Richard and Murriel Allen. He is survived by his beloved wife of 46 years, Joyce; two sons, Daryl (Debbie) and Daniel (Dawn); two brothers, David (Barbara) and Kelly (Nam); and six grandchildren: Micah, Kayla, Bethany, Parker, Wesley and Davis; as well as other relatives and friends. A memorial service will be held at the First United Methodist Church of Seffner (1310 South Kingsway Road) on Saturday, September 22nd at 10:30am. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made in his memory to the First United Methodist Church of Seffner or to LifePath Hospice. 

Sitting Vigil - Favorite Memories

As we spend time sitting vigil with family at the Hospice House alongside Granddaddy, we wanted to share some of our favorite memories of him this year. 

Spring Break - Grandmommy and Granddaddy came and spent two days with us at Disney in March. 

Parker's Middle School Graduation in May

Sea World - Grandmommy and Granddaddy took four of the grandchildren with them to Sea World in June for the day. 

A Disney day in June to mark 5 years of having Davis with us! 

Cousin Micah's Navy Sendoff Dinner in July 

Siesta Key Beach Vacation - Grandmommy and Granddaddy came to spend one day with us and we managed to get him out on the beach

Granddaddy's 70th Birthday in July 

Schoolwork unfortunately doesn't stop for family emergencies. These three are all freshmen in high school and needed to keep up. The family room at the Hospice House made a nice place to get some work done. And the fifth grader had some math to finish.

We've also gotten to spend time with aunts and uncles this week. Davis made himself at home with Uncle Clark. 

We are thankful for all the messages of love and support that we have received and appreciate your continued prayers. 

Granddaddy Update

Granddaddy went back into the hospital in Brandon late on Monday night. Daryl made the trip down during the day on Tuesday. I made the trip over from Lakeland on Tuesday night and again Wednesday night. Thursday Daryl came down in the morning prepared to spend several days and the boys and I joined him late Thursday night.

This afternoon the decision was made to transfer Wayne to hospice care. We would appreciate your continued prayers for our family at this time. 

Week In Review

On Tuesday night, Davis and Wesley's Cub Scout pack took snacks and trees over to the Fruitland Park Police Department and Fire Department in recognition of 9-11. 

Tuesday through Thursday I spent at a Leadership Conference for Women Pastors in Lakeland. They are 17 pastors from Florida and North Georgia and this was the first of four retreats over the next year. 

 

And Thursday night, Wesley's National Elemenntary Honor Society group got to go to the City Council meeting and be recognized for their academic achievement and their service to the community. 

Celebrating A Retirement

On Sunday we honored Pastor Charlotte Lewis in all three worship services and with a reception after worship. She is retiring as the Assistant Visitation Minister at Community after 13 years and this is also her 30th year as a pastor - she started seminary at the age of 58! Charlotte has been a blessing on our staff. Here we are praying over her at the 9Thirty worship service. 

One of our church members got a bunch of lovely pictures of her reception and gifts. But this is the picture I took towards the end of the reception in the Family Life Center - our boys entertaining themselves waiting to go get lunch. You might be a pastor's kid if there's always something that you need to stay for at church!

Youth Group - Rock the Universe

Friday night and Saturday I spent with the youth group at church. Friday night we went to the Leesburg High football game and then did a lock-in at church. On Saturday morning we got up super early and headed to Rock the Universe at Universal Studios in Orlando. There were 32 kids from 7th-12th grade and 5 chaperones. My good friend Meredith and I chaperoned a group of 7 kids including Parker and her son and had a blast. We got back to church about 12:45am on Sunday morning and still made it to worship. 

One of the high school girls braided my hair for me! 

Family Force 5 in concert

For King and Country in concert

Thankful this guy doesn't mind me tagging along to hang out with him and his friends!

A New Worship Launch

Last night, we launched a new worship experience at church - Seven02 Worship on Thursday nights this fall. What a blessing and a privilege to be part of this service! Worship in the round is a totally different experience. And we're keeping the kiddos in this service too. Little Josiah headed over to hang out with Daryl for a bit when he was preaching! The casual atmosphere is so nice - Daryl and I both wore jeans. We had about 75 people there for the service and lots of people hung out afterwards. Looking forward to what will happen in the weeks to come in this service.