, it's only appropriate for me to, take a few moments to, Say a few words to you guys about last Sunday, before we get into the word this morning, and there is an insert that is in your bulletin that I would encourage you guys to, to pull out where I do, an inadequate effort of expressing mine and Donna's thanks. There's more thanks to come, and we're thanking individuals, people individually for the different roles that they, play, but I do wanna at least, walk through this with you. that you see in the insert and let you guys know that Donna and I were absolutely thunderstruck by The extraordinary kindness that you all showed to us and to our family, last week at the 25th anniversary celebration event. the day was beyond, anything that we, honestly could have, imagined and we're still savoring, still struggling to digest everything that, we experienced from so many of you last week that the tiniest details down to the smallest details.
of last week from the decor. to the worship song selections, the flowers, the lunch, being Italian food, which I love, the cake, the ever-present photographers photographing, our every move, and the afternoon program that took place, in this room, all of that down to the smallest detail evidenced, so much love and, carefulness of thought. the video greetings, in the program. last Sunday, touched us deeply.
The photo montage, both in the reception and in the program last Sunday afternoon reawakened a lot of precious memories. And on top of that, with all the details and that needed to be tended to and all that you guys were doing, it was evident that you were doing what you were doing with joy. including the massive cleanup operation, after the, everything was over. we were very blessed beyond words by the gift of the Alaskan cruise.
That's something that we've, talked about and wanted to do for years but have not done. And the memory book that you guys, compiled, filled. With page after page of photos and memories and expressions of love from so many of you. we've also been, just speechless, reduced to tears by the private and personal expressions of generous kindness from many of you, in this, church body....
