St. Luke Living Center
By SUE GUTSCH
St. Luke Living Center correspondent
April 6-12
The Maundy Thursday snowfall didn't prevent Rick Branson from being here the following morning to bring a Good Friday message. Pastor Branson used scripture, pictures, and song which included the stations of the cross and the 22nd Psalm.
Our Easter frivolity began after lunch as eggs were hidden (indoors, this year), children with empty baskets arrived, Kay Steele, granddaughter Symba and two real-live bunnies came, and a much larger bunny. Agnes' granddaughter, Ashton Smith in costume, "hopped" up and down the halls. After the little egg-hunters finished their search we served iced animal cookies and punch while visiting with them and our "older" guests.
Pastor Bethann Black of the Florence and Aulne United Methodist churches, Carol Moore, Mary Jane Grimmett, and the piano talent of Shirley Bowers joined forces to provide an "awesome" Sunday afternoon service for the living center faithful.
Dakota territory snowstorms delayed Pa's filing a homestead claim, but the life-threatening weather didn't stop other land-seekers who saw the Ingalls' small surveyors house near Silver Lake as an overnight haven. Sometimes as many as a dozen or two were fed and given a place to sleep. We feel a sincere respect for Caroline Ingalls as we read of her kindness and generosity.
After our lunch Tuesday we began a May basket project suggested by Aline, using greeting card fronts and a pattern she had. Thinking it might require more than one "session," we began early in the afternoon and we thought correctly. Even with Magdalen Dvorak's help, we just got a good start and will plan another craft day before the May 1 deadline. Of course, we had to stop drawing, cutting, and gluing to eat the delicious kolaches and hot coffee and enjoyed hearing of Magdalen's planned April trip to two grandchildren's weddings in Nebraska and Iowa.
We were privileged to hear a preview of three-quarters of the Marion Elementary School spring music concert Wednesday. The second, third, and kindergarten classes and their instructor, Anita Hancock, provided us a portion of the upcoming program at separate intervals throughout the day.
After the final group of songsters left, Khrista pulled the new van in front of the door and filled the seats with residents who were more than ready to take a leisurely drive around Marion and the county lake. Seems like we have trouble working in outings between episodes of inclement weather.
Shirley Bowers led the hymn singing Thursday morning and she and Joann Fitzpatrick joined the lunch-bunchers for a meal in McPherson. We're broadening our horizons!
