We could not have asked for finer weather for the Outdoor Service this morning!Nick came by early to pick up the “Birthday” cake I had baked and a basket of supplies for the activities, and I then jumped on my bike and hurried to church.The natural “amphitheatre” in which we set up is really the space marking the foundations of the original building of St. Stephen’s, on this site. The current church building (nowadays rented out on Sundays) and Rectory (the house in which we worship), soon followed and what had been the Church proper became the Parish Hall. Sadly the building was eventually condemned and pulled down. Nick commented that we were living out the words of one of this morning’s worship songs, “Shout to the North” as we “filled this place with songs… again”.
Everyone seemed enthusiastic about the venue, the activities, and the whole unfolding of the Service, truly a blessing. 
It was encouraging to have this particular All Ages Sunday so happily received.Hurrying home on my bike I too felt encouraged for the week ahead, having been able to lay my nagging fears down at the Lord’s feet and actually leave them there (for a short while, anyway!)
After a quick lunch I headed to the garden to continue the battle with the maple keys, took Wil for a long walk (stopping to hose myself down in between, as I was quite grimy!) and am now preparing various doughs for yet another baking day tomorrow, having discovered while compiling the giant grocery lists for the Training Retreat, that there were in fact MORE items to bake and prepare ahead so on the agenda for tomorrow- Rosemary Breadsticks, Lemon Brazil nut Biscotti and Frozen Berry Soup.