On Saturday, January 5th, I was asked to attend a meeting of the Church that I am Pastor of in Etna, NY. My wife and I drove over a little early in order to arrive on the time of 2:00pm. Before we got there Sid told me there was a meeting in the Community Building across the driveway and we might find it hard to get a spot to park. When we arrived Bob Brackett motioned to a saved spot and we parked and went into the Fellowship Hall. There was a camera flash as we entered and I was shocked at the number of people assembled there. (The picture at the right is the one my son took as we entered)
I have borrowed the pic from my son Bob's blogspot at: http://rjdoan.blogspot.com . The Hall was filled with relatives, church members, and many friends. My daughter Kay and her daughter Andrea were running the kitchen and my son Bob did a fine job as Master of Ceremonies. Several of my congregation had helped my wife plan and execute the whole surprise party. I wish to thank Thelma Ridley, Caroline Blaylock, and Carol Nelson especially for their assistance to my wife in preparing the whole affair. The Church Choir along with my son and his wife, Chris, sang my favorite hymn, "Because He Lives". I enjoyed the whole party and the wonderful snacks that my daughter Kay had purchased. I will never get over this wonderful surprise that my wife had planned for my 80th birthday.
