On October 27, First Wesleyan Church in Robbins celebrated Ethel Hurley Day. Ethel Hurley was pleasantly surprised at the beginning of the 11:00 worship service when Pastor Sam Swinney read a proclamation declaring their intent to “honor a special lady today.” When Ethel’s name was called out, you could tell from the expression on her face that the entire congregation had kept the activities (which had been in the planning stages for several months) a well kept secret. Ethel was called to the platform where she was presented with a corsage and told that the flowers on the communion table were also hers to take home and enjoy. When Ethel arrived on the platform, she was also surprised to see approximately 15 relatives who had come for this special day. Pastor Sam then read a poem he had composed just for Ethel to commemorate this special day in her life. Karen Swinney, Pastor Sam’s wife, read a letter from one of Ethel’s dearest and closest friends who could not be there for this celebration. Ethel was escorted back to her seat so that she could view a PowerPoint presentation that included photographs of Ethel throughout various stages of her life. When the ushers came forward to receive the morning offering, one usher carried a money tree and the other usher carried a basket of cards (from family and friends) for Ethel.
Following the morning message, in which thoughts of Ethel’s faithfulness were mentioned several times, a dinner was held in the church fellowship hall. Several people in the community said that Ethel was still talking about the event of the day even toward the end of the week. One lady said that Ethel deserved this honor because she has helped out, sat with, taught and delivered meals to so many people in the Robbins area. Ethel (who is in her eighties) has been faithful to the church, and has taught the Kindergarten Sunday school class for over 60 years (and she is still teaching it today).
Esther Hurley in center, Pastor Sam and Karen Swinney on R&L
No comments:
Post a Comment