Blessing of Children

Basanta and Reeta came to the United States from their native India two years ago when he became a doctoral student at Southern Illinois University at Carbondale. They have fellowshipped with the Carbondale Congregation fairly regularly since their arrival.

The Children's Day service featured a retelling of the stories of Christ's ministry as a child, to children and with children. We also heard from three of our members who spoke of three distinctly different parent/child relationships: being the current parent of young or adolescent children, being an adult child, and being the parent of grown children. Two special music selections, both written by Community of Christ composers, rounded out the preparation for the blessing of Sanjaana by Elders Marvin and Marion Kleinau.

As a sidelight, after a recent church service, someone mentioned to Basanta how good it was to have him and his family join us so often and what a joy it is to have little Sanjaana in our midst. His response was, "She likes it here--she doesn't cry."

Finally, you may recall that Reeta was recently diagnosed with thyroid cancer and will begin treatments for that disease very soon, now that Sanjaana is graduating to solid foods and formula. After much delay and governmental redtape, Reeta's mother has been able to get a Visa and will be coming to stay with them in Carbondale for a few weeks as Reeta begins her cancer treatments. Please continue to uphold the Prusty family in your prayers.