Being among friends and thanking God for life’s opportunities

It’s good to be among friends, eating good food and talking and learning about God.

That was the case Sunday, Aug. 24.

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I attended the joint church service of the Malcom and Sheridan United Methodist Churches followed with a picnic.

The event was held at the Malcom City Park Shelter.

It was a wonderful service of praise, worship, fellowship and children’s church. An offering was taken up using hats, one of which was Pastor Boyd Sparks’ cowboy hat.

Pastor Sparks, 91, of Montezuma has been ministering at both churches for a number of years. He asked if anyone would like to make a song request.

I raised my hand and said the photographer has a song. I suggested we sing, “What a Friend We Have in Jesus.”

I mentioned that I grew up in the Southern Baptist Church and that song was one of my mom’s favorites.

“I used to play it on the piano,” I told those gathered in the park. “I don’t think I can do that anymore.”

Pastor Sparks found the song in the church hymnal, and we all sang it together.

After a short message on listening to God from Pastor Sparks, the gathering prayed and everyone stayed for a bite to eat

The McDonald and McCammant families of Malcom and Brooklyn prepared and served the meal of barbecue pork and chicken sandwiches, baked beans, potato salad and homemade pie.

Harold Wheeler of Montezuma arrived with a batch of his famous Wheeler ice cream and served it to all. Some topped off their piece of pie with the ice cream. I opted to enjoy a bowl full.

Having grown up in the South, having an outdoor church service and picnic is about as down home as one can get.

I learned of the joint church service after seeing a flyer at the Montezuma State Bank earlier in the week. I gave Pastor Sparks a call and asked if I could attend and take some photos. He said that would be fine.

When asked about the service, Pastor Sparks said he thought about having a cowboy church service, but opted instead to have a joint service and picnic.

After the service and meal, I made the rounds and interviewed attendees from both churches. And to my surprise, I learned that three families representing four generations each were present. I took photos of each family and enjoyed visiting with them all.

Small town churches are the fabric of many communities in Iowa and across the country.

There are some who would brave a snowstorm to attend church and others who rarely attend, but still support and love their home church.

For many, the home church is where they grew up, met their mate, got saved and baptized, got married and are now blessed to watch their children and grandchildren carry on the family traditions.

As I rested on one of the picnic tables while tucking my camera in my worn backpack, a young boy who was at the service with his mother stopped and gave me a big hug. His sister then gave me a big hug.

I appreciate the children sharing their love and friendship with a hug. It really touched me and showed me the importance of church in nurturing and raising families.

It had been a busy weekend up to that point. I covered the Grinnell Show and Shine Car show Saturday and then attended the Whitetail Banquet that evening.

I struggled to get up Sunday morning, but I’m so thankful that I did.

It’s hard to beat small town living with good people.

I’m blessed with so many wonderful opportunities in life and thankful for it all.

Have a great week, and always remember that “Good Things are Happening” every day.