Not a Normal Quiet Sunday

(Avon Park, FL) Hi 78 Lo 57 -- Jon and Kathleen invited us to go to church with them this morning, so we got up earlier than our normal time and went with them to the 9:00am service at Union Congregational Church. Several people from the park attend Union, which made us feel very welcome. It’s a big church, and very friendly. They have two church buildings on their "campus." The newer 'Millennium' church was built 10 or so years ago, and the smaller, original 'historic' church was built in 1892 and was the first church in Avon Park. Union is an independent church, not tied to any formal denomination, which appeals to us. It was packed, and the preacher was great. We plan to go again next week.

When we got back to the RV Judy and I did a one mile walk, then we sat under her awning with our two Jim's and talked for awhile. Soon it was time to go to the ice cream social at the clubhouse. There we met another couple that arrived this past week and got to know them.

My Jim went back to our rig to watch the Dolphins football game while Judy, her husband Jim, and I played some shuffleboard. It was my first time to play this season. It was great being back on the court. They repainted the courts here in the park and they look great!

Jim and Judy at the far end of the court.


Right at sunset Jim and I went back to Union Church for their "Night In Bethlehem" festival.


Gotta love Christmas in Florida, with the decorated palm trees.


Jim got this shot of the church steeple with the moon in the background.




The festival was reenactment of the town of Bethlehem at the time of the birth of Jesus. It was done well, but very crowded. Jon and Kathleen were among the many participants who were in period costumes to add authenticity.


Diane, another of our park friends, led tours of the smaller of the two church buildings. It was built in 1892 and was the first church in Avon Park.


They decorated the vestibule to look as it might have looked in the 1890's, including this tree with handmade decorations.


Diane’s husband Bob was one of the greeters.


Everyone was given a small candle to light.


The "market," where they gave out small craft items, baked goods, and trinkets.




There was singing.

An angel at the manger.

Attending an outdoor even in the evening with the temperature around 70 degrees in December... it doesn't get much better than that! We had a great time.