A 50th celebration

Aglow in New Zealand celebrates 50 years this year.

We decided at a local level to have a celebration meeting for those who can't travel to Wellington later in the year to join in 

the national celebrations. 

A lot of work went into advertising, sending out invitations and organising rides for those who needed one. Then there was the actual meeting to put together and the afternoon tea to get sorted and only three of us to do it!

We sang a lot of the old songs, shared memories and stories and just generally enjoyed each others company. We had eight past presidents attend and half a dozen ex advisors. As well as others, who for various reasons, no longer come along. One lady came from a rest home, she was 96 and still going strong.

Once the meeting was over the cake was cut and then it was time to enjoy a delicious afternoon tea. People didn't seem to want to go home, and I think that is always a sign that they have enjoyed themselves. 

It was a wonderful afternoon but I've decided that I'm getting past this organising of events lark. I think it's time for a younger generation to take over.

That's it from me this week. 

Take care until next time

Diana

New beginnings

 It has been quite a busy weekend after a slow week. And it could have been busier but I chose to forgo the working bee. Instead I baked a fruit loaf to take out with me on Saturday evening.

Saturday evening two of the young people from my study group celebrated their engagement with a shared meal followed by a ceilidh. An open invitation was issued at church and instead of taking a gift we were asked to take a favourite family dish, savoury or dessert, to share and to include the recipe. There was a great variety of dishes as we have a great mix of ethnicities among us. Son suggested I take the fruit loaf I used to send him while he was at bible college so I did as I was told.

For those who are not familiar with ceilidh it involves music, singing and dancing. Scottish or Irish dancing. Quite enthusiastic dancing at times. It was a lot of fun, even though it was the first time for most of us. We had a very good instructor in the wee girl who had just become engaged and her fiance played the fiddle. I joined the circular dancing which didn't require a partner but once we were told to pair up I decided to sit them out. I thought some of the younger people might be a bit too enthusiastic for me and I didn't want to end up on the floor! There's a bit of whirling and twirling that goes into it :) And so for that young couple we celebrated their new beginning.

The second new beginning was for our church.

the rugby clubrooms

We finally moved into our own building after five years of worshipping in borrowed buildings, two years in another church building and the last 3 in one of the city's football (rugby) rooms. Today was a really joyful occasion in that we were not only in our own premises but we celebrated the birthday of our eldest parishioner - 95 tomorrow.

The rugby club were gracious enough to let us borrow some of their chairs until we get our own as there is not enough seating with just the pews. There was a working bee on Saturday morning to get everything ready, the one I decided not to go to :)

I think it will take a little bit of getting used to being back in a formal church setting but it is lovely to know we have a permanent home.

That's it today.

Have a wonderful week

Diana