During these challenging times, we miss the joys of church that we’ll never again take for granted:  singing hymns together, attending Adult Education, sipping coffee and chatting before service, and passing the peace with hugs and handshakes.  An annual event that might not have happened was Celebration Sunday, when the coming of fall brought us together.  In years past, we celebrated the return to two Sunday morning services, to Sunday School and Adult Education classes, to the Westminster choir’s opening hymn processions into the Sanctuary.  How could this celebration be observed in the time of social distancing? 

Montview Church rose to this challenge with ingenuity and good humor:  Celebration Sunday became Rally Day.  A brightly colored balloon arch welcomed cars on Dahlia Street, where Pastors Ian Cummins and Clover Beal greeted members.  Deacons distributed rice krispy treats and elders chocolate kisses; at the children’s table bubbles were distributed, and the youth’s gift, appropriate to the times, was squishy stress balls.  The confirmation class also received their packets. Musicians on the church steps performed folk music (Adam and Leena Waite, Juli Davison, and Shelley McCluskey) and jazz (Steve Kennedy on bass and Bob Bassett at the keyboard). Donations of canned goods were received and homeless packets handed out.  Despite the chilly morning, Rally Day allowed us to come together to celebrate. 

 – Submitted by Ava Navin