Palm Sunday Excitement for Us and the Lexi Cat

It happened during the Scripture reading: “…every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord…” POW, all the lights went out in the Sanctuary.

There was nervous laughter, several men went to check things out, and Pastor Sam went on with the reading, then prayed thanking God for pulpit candles. Just as he was beginning the sermon, Frank came back in and announced that there was a fire in the basement. All those years of fire drills paid off because the church, packed for Palm Sunday, cleared out calmy and quickly. Most people were concerned about the things they’d left inside: car keys, purses, music folders, that sort of thing, but me? First I noted that Mike, Bradley and Gregory were safe, then I remembered that my camera was in the car and my car keys were locked in the choir room. So, no pictures of the fire trucks and all the people standing around outside.

After a while the all clear was given. Soon my camera was wrapped around my neck and since church got out so early, Bradley, Gregory, Gabe and I went to see the Lexi cat…



…palm in tow.



I think she liked the palm leaf.



I think she liked the company too.







And of course, the boys were loving her soft fur and sweet purring…



…and she was loving her treats.
Don’t worry, Matt and Elisa, even though the power went out at your house too, there was no sign of fire. Enjoy Europe and bring us back some Spanish palms!

Oh, and P.S. that whole fire-at-church story? NOT an April Fool’s joke.

Oh, and one more thing: the fact that my boys were dressed in the same shirt for church was a COMPLETE ACCIDENT, truly I tell you!

EDIT: I just remembered when it was that the lights went back on. The congregation had gathered in the Social Center (where the lights were off too) on the opposite side of the grounds from the main building. We herded the children of our two youngest choirs together to sing some of their favorite songs. Just after the children sang the phrase “Ask — it will be given you” the lights flicked back on (to a big laugh)! It was a miracle in timing. Praise be to God!