Rural Life Sunday Celebration recently held at Fresno United Methodist Church
FRESNO – Rural Life Sunday celebrating farm life was held on Sept. 8 at the Fresno United Methodist Church with Pastor Dan Eggan officiating.
The worship service began at 10:30 a.m. in the Fresno United Methodist Church shelter house with 107 in attendance. The setting for the worship service included wooden crosses, straw bales, mums, pumpkins, ornamental squash, Indian corn, and fall decorations. During the welcome and introductions, whoever drove a tractor, farm truck or gator told the make and model as well as what they used their vehicle for on the farm. Vickie Manning was the liturgist. Manning led the joys and concerns.
Special music was, “It’s a Miracle” by Jerica Bennett. Other special music was by Charlotte Marsh who sang, “I Will Trust in You” and “Jesus Will Still Be There”. Addison Guthrie, Ridgewood FFA, recited the “FFA Creed”. Spencer Thomas read, “So God Made a Dairy Farmer” and Forest Eick read, “I Am a Farmer, Plain and Simple” as a tribute to Scott Thomas who was named Farmer of the Year 2019 by Marilyn Wyler. He was presented a cross entitled, “So God Made a Farmer”. The message of the day was entitled, “The God of Harvest” given by Pastor Dan Eggan. The Scripture was read by Joselyn Miller. Congregational hymn that were sung were: “For the Beauty of the Earth” and “How Great Thou Art”.
The service was followed by a covered dish dinner with approximately 120 people. A children’s pedal tractor pull took place after lunch. There were five weight classes with 27 children and adults participating.
The first weight class was 30 to 45 pounds and the winner was Reed Wilkins. The second class was 46 to 60 pounds and the winner was Abilene Frazer and second place was Avery McCoy. The third class was 61 to 75 pounds and the winner was Caleb Layton and second was Kameron Jones. The fourth class was 76 to 90 pounds and the winner was Paige Atkins. The fifth class was 91 to 105 pounds and the winner was Jerica Bennett. A class called the “Old Timers” had 15 participants and the winner was Mary Hiltabidel and second was Nate McNeal. This was a sight to be seen. Trophies were awarded to first place winners and sponsored by: Brian Darr Farms, Wylerview Farms, Shot Gun Red Pulling Team, and Jim Shroyer Woodworking LLC.
Throughout the rest of the afternoon, there were cake walks with many people winning cakes, cookies, cupcakes, and pies. Plenty of refreshments including homemade ice cream, cake, cookies, popsicles, and sandwiches were available. There was a petting zoo and horse rides by the Ridgewood FFA.
Lining the grounds were 12 tractors, antique tractors, antique trucks, and gators. There were two wagons with tractors that went on a hayride and all the tractors and everything that was driven to church followed them. A good time was had by all those in attendance.
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