By VERNA BROCK
We are quickly approaching the pinnacle of months (if not years) of campaigning for political offices, everything from dog catcher to President. Wherever you stand on the issues and candidates, make a plan to cast your vote. It is your hard won right, and your responsibility, to be an active citizen in our democracy. So VOTE.
Shadeville had its Fall Festival last Friday evening, and it was a rip-roaring good time. Lots of food, a haunted house, a cakewalk, hayrides, bingo, and good, clean, traditional community fun! Money was raised to help support school employees and programs, while generations of grandparents, parents and children relived the glories of festivals past. Thanks and to congratulations everyone who helped sponsor the event, those who donated money and items, and volunteers who worked so hard to make the festival a success!
The “Busy Season” (also known as the CRAZY season!) has begun. My calendar has begun to fill up with lots of can’t miss activities for the next two months, including Halloween Trick or Treating tonight (Thursday). Be extra careful, as the byways and highways of Wakulla will be filled with lots of tiny ghosts, Avengers, witches and hobgoblins. Is it true this holiday is the favorite of dentists? Asking for a friend…
There were many serious casualties of Hurricane Helene, as well as Hurricane Milton. Our prayers continue to be coveted as so many neighbors south, east and north of us continue to assess their losses. I can’t begin to comprehend the monumental tasks of recovery and rebuilding ahead, and my heart aches for our fellow citizens. I have also been inspired by the responses of so many who have joined in the clean up efforts, given needed materials, goods, food, and funds to help in the relief work.
My church, the Wakulla United Methodist Church, has been collecting items to pack hurricane buckets stocked with all kinds of items to assist in cleanup and survival. I know so many of our congregations across the Big Bend have been offering aid in a wide array of ways. If you want to help, reach out to your church, the Red Cross, Salvation Army, UMCOR, or local on-the-ground groups. Not only are our donations appreciated, affected folks need to see they’re not alone in this fight.
The Panacea Blue Crab Festival was postponed as Helene barrelled towards the county last month. The good news is that it has been rescheduled for Saturday, Nov. 16th, a mere three weeks from now! Mark your calendars and make plans to attend one of the oldest premiere events in Wakulla. Parade entrants are welcome, and can sign up at the Coastal Optimist Club web or Facebook pages.
This coming Sunday there will be a covered-dish dinner at the Wakulla UMC following the 10 a.m. worship and Communion service. I encourage you to join us for a great time of fellowship and food! Don’t forget, time changes next Sunday, so be sure to set your clocks to “Fall Back” Saturday night before you hit the hay.
The Woodville UMC will host its Second Sunday Sing on Nov. 10, at 6 p.m., followed by a delicious fellowship supper. As always, it is free and open to the public, as well as a wonderful way to spend a Sunday evening. Hope to see you there!
Please lift the following folks in your prayers: Patty Moxley as she undergoes surgery,the family of Gloria Dock, whose sister in law was killed in a car accident, Mary Jo Dowling’s sister-in -law who has entered Hospice care, Deborah Giles, Clementine Bunker, Becky Perkins, Margie Harper, Woodville 1st Baptist Pastor Tommy Stone, Jan Girven and her caregivers, Sue Beard, Molly Claire Stephens awaiting a liver transplant, Wayne Pharis, Izabelle and Louis Hernandez, Baby Sophia, and 18 month old Sammy Pruitt who suffered a drowning incident. He was revived, and remains in critical condition.
Of course, we can all pray for peace and justice throughout the world, the world’s children, and all those being affected by disasters, war and strife around the globe.
