so many choices... but i chose asbury

I wanted to try out a new venue for me...

Johnson High School, once attended by my niece Emily and nephew Jason...

as it had a 5:30 PM event that was holiday-themed and promised music...

billed as a "Winter Spectacular"!!!

There was also another new venue for me...

Hesse Elementary School, once attended by my nephew Damon...

as it had a 6 PM event which promised several stories in one show...

billed as "Folk Tales"!!!

Then the date for the annual meeting for the members of Asbury Memorial and Wesley Oak had been announced at the beginning of December.

No time had been announced, just the date.

That would again be on Tina Tuesday, a day I reserve for fun.

I hoped the meeting by ZOOM would either be early enough for one of the other events, or late enough to not interfere with either.

Instead, the time was set at 6:30 PM.

That meant both of the new events at the new venues were out.

As a member, my choice would have to be with the church. 

As it was, I was a little late to the ZOOM.

The link sent yesterday had not worked, so I had to check my email to see if a new one had been sent today; yes, of course, there was a late change.

Still, I was there, as can be seen here.

I'm in the top row, second from the left, right next to Rev. Billy.

I was right in time for the report on 'Property', that spoke of the deal the church got on the solar panels installed on the roof.

It also mentioned the need for work on the windows that face Henry Street.

No one mentioned the elevator that had been on last year's agenda.

As the meeting was drawing to a close, I brought up the topic; that led to a lively discussion with Roy Hill of the Finances committee and Tim Steinhauser, with the upshot being that the reason driving its need had been - movement of theatrical props and set pieces from the second floor - had been resolved.

That was because the cost had doubled for the elevator to be retro-fitted to this historic old building.

Good to know!

I also found out the church finances have been bolstered, both by Miss Virginia Holliday's gift ($190 K) and judicious investing of $500 K with Charles Schwab.

Good to know that, too!

All the staff received nice raises and we have a new assistant minister position which is costing about $50,000. 

In fact, the majority of the church's expenses seem to be payroll.

I had not realized that before.

Apparently, it was good that I was there, along with 57 others.

Right place, right time.

i thank You, God.