Conformation, September 22, 2009

On Sunday November 22, 2009, we had our Conformation of four new members of the church. Reverend Ballinger conducted a beautiful Conformation Service. It is always nice to see four new, young members, such as these welcome the church into their lives.

Left to Right; Remington Little, Madison Little,

Margot Bergeron, and Lexi Cubberley

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Margot Bergeron and Madison Little

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Margo Bergeron and Madison Little

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Reverend Ballinger confirming Margot Bergeron

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Reverend Ballinger confirming Lexi Cubberley
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Reverend Ballinger confirming Madison Little
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Reverend Ballinger confirming Remington Little
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Lay Leader Bonnie Adams presenting each with a new Bible
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The church's new members and their sponsors
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Madison Little
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The Little Family

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The Bergeron Family

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The Cubberley Family

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After the service we all enjoyed Cake, coffee and punch in Fellowship Hall.

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Woman's Retreat at Keswick

This weekend was the Woman's Retreat at Keswick, outside of Whiting, New Jersey. It was a time of fellowship, learning and quiet reflection. A time to get to know each other better and to understand each other better. At time to spend quiet time alone to reflect on your own life.

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From all reports a wonderful and spiritual uplifting time was had by all. So many spoke of the wonderful program that kept everyone busy and every one involved that Reverend Fran put together, I also hear the food was outstanding.

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The photos below are from this weekend.

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Homecoming Sunday ~ Sunday, October 12, 2009

This Sunday was our "Homecoming Sunday". We had a wonderful and large group to help celebrate, Our guest of honor was Reverend and Mrs. Ron Crouch, Reverend Crouch was a former Pastor at Groveville United Methodist and it was an honor to have him with us once again. I think he also enjoyed seeing some old friends and meeting some new ones.. He enjoyed seeing the church again, also the Parsonage, Cemetery, and Fellowship Hall. I am sure he enjoyed the wonderful "Covered Dish" Brunch we provided. It was a nice occasion.

Reverend and Mrs. Ron Crouch

When we plan a covered dish we never are at a loss for food, we have a church full of good cooks. For a meat course we had Roast Beef and Meat Loaf, after that it was salads, vegetable dishes, deserts, rolls and Butter and a variety of beverages. There is never a shortage of food.

Our group of friends enjoying the fellowship of others

Everyone filling their plates

Reverend Fran Ballenger and Friends

Reverend and Mrs Crouch and our Homecoming Cake

The cutting of our Homecoming Cake

Scout Sunday

Sunday, October 4, was our Sunday to honor our Scouts, we have two groups of Boy Scouts we Sponsor, this Sunday was our chance to show our appreciation to them for selecting us as thier sponsors, only a handful stayed for food and cake afterward.

Travis Chapel United Methodist Church, Oyster, Virginia

Every summer we vacation at least one week a year at Cherrystone Campground, Cheriton Virginia. We were invited by good friends and originally from this area, Charlie and Marlene Donnell to attend Sunday Service at their church, Travis Chapel United Methodist Church, located in Oyster, Virginia, where Charlie and Marlene now live and have for several years.

Oyster is fishing village on the Atlantic Ocean side of the Eastern Shore of Virginia, about six miles from Cherrystone on the Chesapeake Bay side. Oyster is a safe harbor, protected by a series of barrier islands. Oyster is a perfect place to retire, quiet and peaceful and a lot like Groveville, with the central portion of Oyster consisting of three streets, Sunnyside Road, Broadwater Circle and Bell Street. With Crumb Hill Road, leading to the opposite side of he harbor.

Nancy, Kati and I arrived at church about the same time as Marlene and her Mother, as others arrived we were introduced, the people were very friendly, we all chatted, most asked where we were from, and were quite pleased that we had decided to join them at church.

Marlene introduced us to their pastor, Reverend Lynda Moore, Who shares her ministry with the Cheriton United Methodist Church, about four miles away, she had only been there a short time when we were there, but was most welcoming, as everyone was. It was a very nice service, very casual, just as we are used to at Groveville United Methodist. After the service we stood around talking with our new friends, like we had known them for years, it is so nice to be so welcomed by new friends.

There seems to be a lot of history with Travis Chapel UMC and the town of Oyster, you know that interested me, but we were only there a week. If I ever leave Groveville, this is where you will find me.

I asked Marlene about the History of Travis Chapel, here is what she told me;

Travis Chapel was started in 1906. It was named for the family whose home they first met for Sunday School. First built on Seaside Rd, the chapel was moved to its present location in Oyster in 1925. Later in 1940, many people were moving off one of the barrier islands called Hog Island. This was due to the damage sustained on the islands from the storms in the 1930's. The islands were "washing away" then and continue to do so now.
Pullen's Chapel was the church on Hog Island and it was floated to Oyster and became the Sunday School/fellowship hall for Travis Chapel. Many homes from Hog Island were also floated to Oyster and the families became members of Travis Chapel.

Now this is the stuff that peaks my interest, these are the stories, that if not passed on to future generations they will be lost forever.

Travis Chapel United Methodist Church Sanctuary, small but very well maintained,

Service here is very personal, especially with the size of the Sanctuary.

Travis Chapel United Methodist Church Fellowship Hall and Sunday School is attached to the rear of the Sanctuary. It is a very nice hall with a serving window to the kitchen. They do hold small functions here, a soup sale, and do some catered events for local organizations.

The church kitchen, small and neat, but very functional