It was an exciting day, the first Sunday of the month. Up and at’em girls Daddy instructed. You girls have got to get the horses saddled up and ready to go. LaNell’s parents had brought her and her two horses Jake and Princess to spend the night. This mornings Sunday School was to start at 10:00 a.m. We hurried and polished our boots and got ready to go.
We had chores to do quickly and breakfast was a must. The kitchen was a bit crispy as fall was cooling things off but daddy had a fire going in the fireplace.
We were all excited because the new Pastor would be at church today, they said he was very nice and patient as well. Sister Emily would be there to play the organ. Dad was helping transport the new organ on the flat bed, so I needed to hurry.
My mind raced with excitement. There would be lots of kids to pal around with from the six local churches that surrounded us. We met the first Sunday of every month.
Even the horses, Jake and Princess were excited. I was riding Jake and my friend, LaNell would ride Princess. We had three practice periods for the special program for today. I loved the organ music especially.
I hurried to get my Bible and treats for the horses in my bag. It was going to take us close to 40 minutes to get to the old drive-in theater.
Oh here they are, I better get going! “Good morning, wow does everyone look good,” I exclaimed as we saddled up and joined the rest of the family. I leaned down and whispered to Jake how excited I was. He seemed to agree with me.
On the 40 minute ride sixteen others joined us from our area. As we approached the drive-in theater, several trucks with horse trailers were there unloading. The cool weather made all of us feel somewhat frisky. We had rode the two horses so they would be tired enough to stand quietly during the morning service.
I could see the Praise team already beginning to line up on their horses as we approached the drive-in. LaNell and I hurried on our horses to join the rest of the team. The flags were flying in the breeze as we proceeded to find our spot
When the organ started playing the seven riders of the flag team so gracefully circled the area and came to the podium with their flags blowing regally in the wind..
The singing seemed especially good today. Our new Pastor rode his horse up to the front of the congregation. We all sat in awed silence as we watched his horse kneel on his knees as the Pastor offered an opening prayer of thanksgiving to our Heavenly Father for the wonderful opportunity to worship on horseback with what the congregation agreed was one of God’s finest creations... the horse.
The spectacular ending of the service of horses pounding their hooves to the music was beautiful. When old Jake began to get nervous I slipped him a treat. We made it through the morning, it was an event to never be forgotten. Sunday School on horseback brought a special joy to my heart and allowed me a special way of sharing my love for Him.
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This is soooo neat!! If I wasn't afraid of horses now... I would love to do this. We also have horses .... but they have become lazy and unruly because nobody rides them much... so I am afraid to. God bless you.
Keli Woody
