Monday Morning Ramblings (through the eyes of the wife).

Over the years I have shared with you all my annual trek back home for "Homecoming". Usually I share pics of my rather large family. This weekend I actually left most of the photography assignments to my little sister. And sense none of us got home before 11 PM last night I am still waiting on the pictures.

I did take a few of the service, so that all of my "new school" folks could get a glimpse into a good old fashioned country church service. I don't know if you saw my post last year, but people underestimate churches in the country. They have some of the most beautiful buildings and sanctuaries that you will ever see (some on a small budget).

In part because members come back each year and "sow" back into their "home" church. We have lost a few members as time goes by, and many of our members are much older, but none of us get to tired to go back. Over the next couple of days as more pics come in I will share with you a few traditions. Today I thought I would give you a glimpse into our annual (79 years yesterday) "Homecoming Service".


First a little background. I grew up going to Union Zion. My grandparents were members and most of my aunts, uncles, cousins, grew up here. I was baptized here at around 9 or 10 ( I don't remember the age, but I will never forget the experience). By my godfather who was the pastor at the time (my grandfather was also a pastor). This is my mom, who is the church clerk, and the church organist. She is a well rounded woman. LOL



This was the guest choir. Man, they could blow...even though they were a "city" church. LOL One of the members of the guest church talked about getting scared when coming around some of the winding roads. The pastor told them they would be even more scared if they were traveling at night (no lights on the road...lol). The guest speaker bragged on our hospitality staff (they start serving you as soon as you walk through the door, and I'm not just talking food). I have to admit they had some great food yesterday (and yes, it included more chicken. But the also offered us Turkey, gravy, stuffing, macaroni with cheese, string beans and the best homemade deserts you will ever eat).


This is my Uncle John (my mom's brother) and one of the many family members who helped to raise me. As a matter of fact if it wasn't for this man and his wife Maryland I would have never met my hubby.



This is the balcony in our church. All of the young people would hang out in the balcony during homecoming. I think we thought it was the "cool" spot, even though it was usually the hottest spot in the church during August. Now our girls hang out there and sneak out in the middle of the service to hang out at their cousins home. When I was young we snuck out and headed down the road to my Aunt "Sweatheart's" (yes that is what we called her) to hang out.


This is our "First Lady". I like her because even though she is the "First Lady", she is not phony. You are more apt to find her in the choir, or in the kitchen helping out the staff. As a matter of fact most of the first ladies in my life (including my grandmother, god mother and the first lady at my home church in the city were all pretty down home ladies). I had great examples to follow.

This is our Pastor. He came a few years after my godfather retired. It took me a while to get use to him, but he has been a great support to Marc (which gave him an A plus grade in my eyes). I'm excited because he along with the rest of my church family (most of which are related) will be visiting us for "Homecoming" next month.

This is my church. I love the architecture of this church. They take a lot of pride in this old building. The pews have been here as long as I can remember. They have upgraded a few things but the building itself looks the same as it did when I was a child.

Another favorite of mine is the stain glass windows and the stain glass mural in the choir stand. Even though I prefer the more modern churches of today I love going home and seeing the traditional church that I grew up in. Well I hope you enjoyed this little glimpse into my past. We also celebrated my great uncles 97 birthday this weekend. I will share pics as soon as my mom and sister send the pics (hence the reason I am usually the one behind the camera). From what I understand Marc and WABC had a great service. And even though I missed them, it was great hanging out with my family, chilling, laughing and just enjoying life.