Gainesville part 2

Even though the news took many of us by surprise, I think that it actually turned out to be a perfect time to visit, and we were the perfect group to visit them. Having recently survived the loss of several beloved pastors, we were in a perfect position to reassure them that things would turn out okay in the end - not that transition is easy or fun, but that their congregation would pull through it, just as ours has. One woman told me that church attendance has dropped off significantly, and I told her that we had been through similar situations. It.s always reassuring to know that others have been there. About 30 people attended the concert, but it was much more emotionally charged and Spirit-filled than the Decatur concert, with approx. 70. We changed the program a little, including some uplifting MCCSF standards like Roll Away the Rock. We sang and played well together, and the audience responded very enthusiastically. Some people said they would drive to Tampa to hear us again, or send friends. Success!