Sunday Church, Class, D&D

I am writing this on Monday morning, and already it is 10, I am trying to find my focus this morning — so far it is not happening. Let me try again…

I rose in a rush and grabbed liberal coffee, roasted locally and made in a machine on the timer at 7. I had slept better, sticking to water at Richard’s while we played games late. I was not asleep before 1 and 7, and sunrise seemed to come sooner than bidden. My body felt like I had been attacked by the bed, and I will be more careful with my neck and pillows in the future! Morning pills and painkillers!

I did the usual check of email, read a few depressing news headlines, and updated Quicken with transactions. I then composed a detailed account of what happened on Saturday, drawing on my memories. Already in a swirl and starting to fade. One of the reasons I write these is to keep the day forever. I hate to lose even a single day now.

I wrote and cut some cheese to go with my banana, trying to avoid carbohydrates for breakfast. I wrote and finally posted the blog with time to get ready. Again, the usual routine, though I was well-rested after a liberal dose of coffee, shower, shave, and dress. Soon, I was in a sweater vest and a tie, brown with butterflies from Deborah, and with dress shoes for church. I forgot my phone and headed back to get it when I boarded Air VW the Gray.

I soon arrived, in moderate traffic, which was surprising for a Sunday morning, with thirty minutes to spare. I get out of the car and look in First Class. Yes, I had not loaded the sandwiches from Costco there. Back in the EV, a quick trip back and forth, and returned with sandwiches. It was just a few minutes into the service when I carried in my sandwiches and papers for my class on Methodists today for the New Members Class after the service.

I ushered. Michael R gave the sermon about Methodist history and how it sheds light on today, and how the church service, Methodist in its design, represents traditions going back to the apostles. It was fitting like a puzzle piece into my class. Michael R also covered “the awkward moment of the offertory and that seemed to lighten the moment of passing the plate; one of my duties when I usher.

The music was moving today and included, I know some will not believe this, I could actually sing and knew most of the words too (and sang in time). There was clapping, and we in the back waved our hands and did some steps to the music. I also heckled Dondrea gently, as she coordinated the worship as usual, and this seemed to raise the warmth of the atmosphere. There were smiles. Also, our new organist seemed to find his way and fit with the music, and the congregation sang louder and with the organ.

With a break at the end of the service and sandwiches, I started on the class and warned, at first, I am not that good at theology and “being saved,” but hoped to make it work. I read John Wesley’s instruction for singing from the Methodist Hymnal as an introduction to Methodism and the John and Charles Wesley.

I requested a more interactive session and received it. There were questions and answers supplied by some of the folks. I managed to keep to my plan and finished on time, just past 1. Folks seemed happy with my covering of grace, the means of decision-making, and some history.

I returned home. Pulled off the tie and focused on Dungeons & Dragons accounting as we played at 5:30. I could not find my notes from the last session. I upgraded my Sorcerer to 6th Level in the 2024 version of D&D. I also looked at the Bastion rules for 2024 D&D.

I arrived at M@ early and we chatted. We did a bit of bastion work and then returned to the adventure once everyone arrived. Karyn got a birthday bar (we have various dietary complexities in the group) and had a brutal battle that left our characters near defeat. We managed, though the encounter used various immunities and undead, which we are not very suited against. We are charm, sneak, and run away-and-come-back style. This time it was a slug-vest. We found, after that, a more playful and colorful encounter that better fit our group. We are still puzzling that out when we reach the time. I will miss the Oct 19th game and Karyn, another. Karyn’s son will be my replacement. Excellent.

It was a fun night of mixing genres in D&D. I headed home after chatting with Scott for a while. There, I did the dishes, assembled the coffee for Monday morning, and climbed into bed with new role-playing rules, Shadow Dark. Another attempt to produce a light version of D&D 5E. The “quickstart” rules cover 1-10 levels and basic rules. I purchased that and an adventure to see if they are building on the original success of D&D, rules to create characters for excellent adventures. I see so many rules, but seldom with good playable content.

With rules bouncing around in my head and our last play, and stopping the coffee before 7, I was able to drift away into sleep. I did wake a few times, but I managed to sleep again.

Thanks for reading!