More on Milford

Today's blog   {mostly} is a window into the dear congregation in Milford, Pa that has adopted us during our stay at Bethel.  Often a we get a look of surprise when we say we drive an hour to get to our congregation meetings.  (that includes going up and over a mountain and yes, interstate construction traffic; because what road travel is complete without it and that's the most fun of all).  But the delight we have when we get there far outweighs the travel. 

Here is proof:
Milford has a long-time Bethel couple ( at Bethel like 25 years) that will soon be reassigned to Mossouri as special pioneers.  Milford congregation will miss Bill and Jill greatly because of their fine zealous spirit in the ministry and the wonderful comments at meetings.
However, we will also miss their bright & colorful personalities! 


Here is Jill [at her own goodbye party] giving us a tutorial on how to make fishless California sushi rolls.  *Note the special interest some of the brothers showed.  Now isn't THAT delightful?



Here is Bill sporting one of his best looks:  He wears his "bling" like no other!

Then we have marvelous Watchtower conductor, Dave, who has crazy guitar skills and isn't afraid to share it!


And what other congregation do you know of that has a Candy, Peaches and Cookie?





How adorable is this sampling of Milford young ones singing "Preach the Word"? 

 And here is Brother Banks who inspires faith without his even knowing it.  He is over 90 years old and has been completely deaf for many years now.  He depends on the friends to bring him to meetings and help him know what is being said. Happily he still reads even small print well. Anthony, one of our Bethelite brothers, often has him sit with him and uses his tablet to write notes to let Brother Banks know about the announcements and such. 

Here are two remarkable acts of faith we see in him regularly: 1} he prepares for and attends the meetings regularly even though he has not heard one paragraph, comment, scripture or song for years. He simply knows the Kingdom Hall is where he must worship and be with the brotherhood.  2} he has remained on the Theocratic Ministry School and participates in the Bible reading, depending on someone to nod to him when he can walk up and read it.  What a loyal brother!

 

 

 

 

On another note, there are other friends in Milford we have enjoyed special time with.  Here are siblings Nathaniel and Michelle who showed us their favorite tennis spot. And we even attempted tennis. Had a blast too!

 

 

 

 Here was dinner on Peaches deck.  Dinner was delish and on the lake in the backyard, Olivia and Abigail provided entertainment. (rowing while singing heartily songs from the Sound of Music) 

OKAY, just two more things to share!

 

  This week at Bethel we had the thrill of spotting Crystal, Alexis, Jennifer and Bill Malone along with some of Crystal's family  (all from Kentucky) taking a tour!  Even though the shot is distant, trust us, that's them on the bridge!  It was really nice to run down from working to give them a big sweaty hug! [nice for us. not sure if sweaty was nice for them.]

This past Wednesday afternoon I was able to give a Bethel tour to good, dear friends from my old congregation in Gaithersburg, Maryland. 

Hard to describe the joy of welcoming  friends to Bethel as our home.