Our red brick church stood on a country Crossroad a quarter mile up the Road from our farmhouse. Every Sunday morning we could hear Our neighbor ring the bell in the Belfry tower, twice. He rang it at 9:00 to announce to the Countryside that in 30 minutes the Service would begin. (In my family we called it the "Get-ready-bell" which describes How quickly we could get dressed in Those days.) We tried to be seated before 9:30 When Jesse rang the bell again. As was the custom in our German congregation My dad sat on one side of the sanctuary Watching over my 5 brothers while Mom tended to me on the women's Side. Going to church wasn't an option. The only excuse to stay home was Illness, and I can remember only a Few of those days during my Growing up years. After I married, my own little family Continued the Sunday morning practice which I carry on today. I thrive on the fellowship, the Music and the message. I need the spiritual food. That's why it was so hard to Stay home this week when my Vertigo flared up. Missing church leaves a void in my Soul. I'm glad my parents set the example For me. Attending church has become a Healthy habit I don't want to break. | |