Ecclesiastes 3
To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:
.......... A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance;

My family lived out this scripture this week-end. I was able to visit my Grandma G's church twice this week-end.

On Saturday evening, we had a great time at their annual Talent Show. ....here's a few snapshots of some of the talents from "small town" Coleman..... just as a side note, I am related to almost everyone performing and probably most of the audience!!

The show opened with a surprise performance of . . .

"Sonny and Cher"

(a/k/a Rodney C. and cousin Ginny)

singing I've Got You Babe.

Lots of singing, corny jokes, a puppet, "Who's on First" and musical instruments....performed by all age groups!

My Grandma had a fun part in the program with her 4 sisters and her brother Franklin (he's my favorite!). As the band played "Pretty Woman", the 5 Methner sisters danced up the isle and began to perform on stage, singing with Uncle Frank. He sang "Let me call you Sweetheart" and they joined in on "As the Saints Go Marching In". What a FUN Family!


Beautiful Voices














Silly Clothes


Giving Uncle Frank a Hard Time!!!









The show was closed

with another

"surprise" performance by
Dolly Parton

&

Porter Wagoner

(again a/k/a Rodney C. and Cousin Ginny)

singing "I will Always Love You".

What a Great Evening!!!

Proverbs 17:22 (NIV)
A cheerful heart is good medicine....
This week-end we both laughed and cried......

Today, we returned to my Grandma's church for a Memorial Service for one of Grandma's sisters. Last year, Aunt Alice became very sick with Cancer and last week she passed from this life. As we remembered the life of a dear family member, we thought about all the time my Dad spent as a boy on Old Mission Peninsula in Traverse City picking cherries, apples, and plums. We return to that area of Michigan often and remember good family times. Aunt Alice would have really enjoyed the Talent Show last night.....she would have been right in the middle with her silly clothes, beautiful voice and enjoyed performing with her family. We pray for Uncle Dale and our cousins as we all say "Good-bye" to Aunt Alice.



Alice Lucille Christopher, 81, formerly of Old Mission Peninsula, passed away Friday, Jan. 29, 2010, at her home in Coleman, Mich. She was small in stature, but big in heart and vigor. Her life was directed by her faith and love for her family. She is survived by her husband, Dale, of 62 years; her daughter, Debbie (Gary) Dunne of Traverse City; her son, Dennis (Nancy) Christopher of Traverse City; her daughter, Colette (Tom) Cavric of Goodrich; nine grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Alice was preceded in death by her parents Jason and Mina Methner, sons Lonnie and Brian. "May the memories we uncover lead us to the light of the road which we each must find." May we always remember her faithfulness and grace to serve as an example of how to lead our lives. The sound of her singing voice and dinner bell will continue to ring throughout the heavens. A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 7, 2010, at the Community of Christ Church in Coleman, Mich., with Evangelist Rodney Colmus officiating. Friends may call at the church from 1 p.m. until the time of services. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to MidMichigan Cancer Foundation, Mid-Michigan Home Care, or Outreach International, World Hunger or the Community of Christ Church. O'Laughlin Funeral Home, Inc., Coleman assisted the family with arrangements.