With the "December Blizzard of '03" still raging, The Church on the Cape (in Cape Porpoise, Maine) decided they had to cancel church services this morning. However, several hearty souls were having breakfast at The Wayfarer, before the scheduled service time, and decided to proceed with a little service of their own, anyway.

In addition to Pastor Ruth, Elaine, David, Judy, Bob, Scott and Karen, Eleanor & Arnold, Jim & Joan, Bill and Annie, Priscilla, Janice and Bill ended up coming.

We knew there was a ban on parking but the police said all was ok since the street was plowed. We shoveled the steps and proceeded with the service.

Bill Hidell preached the sermon focused on five fundamental principles. He was marvelous. He pulled this out of his pocket called "Values":

1 - Tell the truth;
2 - Be fair;
3 - Keep your promises;
4 - Respect every individual, and
5 - Encourage intellectual curiosity.

He applied each virtue to any relationship - whether it be related to marriage or the church.

We lit the second advent candle - "peace" and went through the entire service. We sang the songs - took up the collection and sang "Till We Meet Again".

It was one of the best services I have attended. We felt so blessed, the smell of the new Christmas tree, with all of the Kennebunkport decorations, was overwhelming.

We know in our hearts that God was with us, and we prayed for all the people of the church. Peace.

To download the entire sermon entitled "No Switchbacks" go to: The Church on the Cape, UMC, Cape Porpoise, Maine

With a house full of sick kids here in San Francisco, this story gave us a dose of Christmas Spirit that was very much needed and appreciated -- from three thousand miles away, no less.

I would call this "Vicarious Living at its Best!"

Happy Holidays.

~Jennifer