By Linda Elissalde
We awoke Sunday morning to a wonderful sound. RAIN! Yes, drops falling from the sky after a long, long period of drought. However, as often happens with good gifts, there was a downside. Parts of Bolivar Peninsula were without electricity. Word spread that it would not be restored until noon. Bay Vue United Methodist Church was included in that group.
Rita Moseley quickly begin finding out who still had electricity. She called Pastor Valerie Hudson. Should Sunday Service be cancelled? Reverend Hudson decided to hold the service even without light or air conditioning. Some people did not know of the outage. Out of town guests might want to attend. Although Marcel and I were lucky to have electricity, we decided to go.
What a surprise to arrive and find people inside the church busily arranging for a Sunday meeting. Elinor Tinsley, Jane Loose, and Sandi Covington were getting food ready for fellowship after church. Trustee Gary Huebel was there to see if anything could be done about lights and air conditioning. Pat Tinsley was set to Facebook the service. Talented musicians Pastor Hudson and Pianist Paulette Layfield were moving devices around so that Valerie could set up her guitar and be close to the congregation – if there were one.
Suddenly, just before 9:00 AM – there was light! – And air conditioning! Eventually 16 people set in the congregation. Reverend Hudson led us off on her guitar with a bevy of lustily sung hymns while Paulette played that piano with gusto. Attendees participated in traditional Methodist readings. Then Valerie held all enthralled with a sermon she created as she drove from High Island to what she assumed would be a dark, hot sanctuary. It fit this occasion perfectly. Then everyone retired to Fellowship Hall for eating and visiting. (Methodists always have food with fellowship.)
There was a consensus amid all the talking while enjoying refreshment. Something was special about this service. The intimate setting, the music, and the uplifting sermon created a special moment for a small group of worshipers. This Sunday will be warmly remembered. It was the one that started with darkness, but ended with brightness. LET THERE BE LIGHT! And, there was light. ( And Air Conditioning)
Posted in 
This brought back memories of the few winters we spent in Bolivar and attending your church. Your church and community were so welcoming. We are now “wintering “ in Arizona. It was good to see Rita’s photo as recently on our long drive home to Michigan we enjoyed the fun Blues and Cajun CDs she gave us while we were there.