First Baptist Church of Blue Hill Maine

Today, I had the pleasure of attending the First Baptist Church of Blue Hill, Maine with my mother. This beautiful church was erected in 1817 and stands tall and proud in all of its white splendor both inside and out. You actually feel a sense of reverence as its beauty, significance and historical value hit you, smack dab in the middle of your forehead, upon entering the building.

The congregation greeted us warmly and I was happy to see them. This little group has been faithfully putting in some overtime on their knees for me. I am grateful to them for that and it was good to see them in person and let them know how much I appreciate all that they are doing for me.

One of the most beautiful aspects of this congregation is that they don't feel like strangers from a distant community. They feel like family, even though some of them, I haven't seen in ten years and others I've never met. It is a nice thing to be spend time with a group that love your family and I could feel that love today as we hugged each other and they prayed for me.

There is really something special about New England, it's churches and how they worship. They follow a familiar pattern filled with tradition. I enjoyed singing the doxology, something that is not a prominent fixture in the churches I attend in Colorado. For those of you not familiar with the doxology here it is.

Praise God from Whom all blessings Flow;
Praise Him all creatures here below;
Praise Him above, ye heavenly host;
Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost

It may surprise you to know that these words were written by Thomas Kent in 1674 and are actually the last words of the Hymn, Awake, My Soul, and with the Sun.

This morning we woke in our home on Patton Pond with the loons paddling back and forth. I drank my coffee sweetened with Sweet Italian Creme coffee creamer by Coffee Mate (delicious - try it) while wearing my pajamas in the place where my soul wears pajamas (see earlier post). Then, later this morning, I sang among friends accompanied by a beautiful pipe organ with the back drop only New England can deliver.

Day One of our vacation: Hugely successful and astoundingly satisfying. Spent with friends and loved ones? Most Definitely.

Susan