Rally Day - In Case You Missed It
Remember WAY back to your early days in high school when you learned the difference between extramural and intramural activities? Big words, literally translated as outside the walls and inside the walls. Extramural took us off the school campus to compete in sports or participate in music programs, debates, and various other activities with or against other schools.
Intramural activities enabled us to play sports, engage in theater, music, and science fairs within our own four walls.
Pastor Gene’s morning message on Rally Day Sunday reminded me of the extramural opportunity we all have as members at SUM. We were encouraged to reach beyond our comfort zone and delicately spread the joy of our own spiritual journey. A new slant on the now oft-used phrase, “If you see something, say something,” popped into my head. Indeed, if you see someone who seems sad, adrift, angry…say something! Say something about your church. Welcome that someone into our fold, even if just for a little peek. Reach out of your comfort zone as you represent yourself and your church extramurally.
As morning worship was nearing its close, glorious smells wafting from the kitchen invited us into Wesley Hall, where Chef Boswell’s barbecued pork with all the fixings provided a sumptuous lunch for the packed house of more than 70. Mmmmm, delicious!!
Segueing from previous years’ science fair approach to Rally Day, Susan Samuel and Jen Acheson’s clever idea of brief presentations on stage was about to begin. This was the intramural piece of our Rally Day morning, the time for us to learn about what happens within our own four walls. And it was an extraordinary list, presented by a few brave souls who took to the stage.
Emcee Sue Lemke was ready with shepherd’s staff in hand, lest any presentation last beyond brief. Her corny jokes drew the appropriate groans as she soldiered on, introducing the presenters. Notably, Glenn Knight’s videos (in lieu of his presence) encouraged us to be acolytes (or force our kids to be!), participate with the safety committee, or volunteer for just about any committee. His well-placed, snarky comments had us all in stitches. (If you missed Rally Day, Glenn’s videos can be viewed on our YouTube channel).
Sandy and Tom Lipscomb’s silly banter took place “in a car” whose steering wheel, created by covering a big pizza pan, looked more like a peace poster once she remembered to turn it around so the audience could see it. But their message came across loud and clear that the Worship Team could always use more volunteers.
Our hostess with the most-ess, Heidi Fitzsimmons, announced her retirement as Hospitality Chair, thus opening the door and begging for a new chair.
Jen Acheson spoke about the Days for Girls program, noting that Jan Baker’s display in the entryway had recently been hung in the Simsbury Library.
Julie Cutler and Elizabeth Webber were enthusiastic about the new Sunday School rooms on the upper floor of The Annex, gingerly sharing space with the Prayers and Squares quilting team. Erin Ott encouraged the youth to join her for conversation, games, and, of course, pizza on Thursday evenings.
Donna Motyl took center stage, delicately demonstrating where one wears the knitted knockers that the Prayers and Squares team knits for women who have had mastectomies - well done, Donna and teammate Diane Carlson. That was a tricky one!
Len Bobinski’s first day as Director of the CAYA band and choir gave him the opportunity to ask the audience – What does CAYA stand for anyway? And Bridget Scarlato told us about the opportunities with the Chancel Choir, Bells, and the children’s music programs.
Cheryl Langin’s zany antics stole the spotlight from Cassandra Broadus-Garcia, who was attempting to explain SUM’s participation in disaster relief. Waving her kitchen whisk around, she demonstrated that you could cook if you didn’t want to muck out. Later, she hauled a step ladder and paint equipment across the stage, interrupting Cassandra yet again but making the point that everyone has numerous opportunities to participate in a disaster relief trip.
There were many more presenters as well – Welcoming Team, South Park, Adult Spiritual Growth - but I go on too long. Please talk to a friend to find out more. You can check for more details about the events and opportunities we learned about on Rally Day on our website and the kiosk in Wesley Hall.
Here is a link to the Rally Day flyer.
As the craziness of the morning’s theatrics came to a close, Pastor Gene hopped on stage to thank the presenters. Did it occur to anyone but me the two-fold symbolism I saw as he stood there holding the shepherd’s staff? First, here was our own shepherd, recently returned to his flock. Us.
Second, the symbolic “staff” also represented all of us. We are the staff at SUM. We are the ones who volunteer our time and our talents to work intramurally to make our church the vibrant, welcoming, educational, spiritual place that it is. We are the ones who follow our shepherd’s leadership and make it happen through events and opportunities.
So, don’t forget to spread the word about what you learned on Rally Day among fellow SUM-ers. Indeed, “If you see something,” i.e. an opportunity or event that strikes your fancy, “Say something.” Say, “I volunteer!”
As our own shepherd says, “May it be so.”
- Karen Matheson