The applause burst out, along with a few hoots and whistles. Roxie held up her mike again. “As we have said, you never know what might happen when people get together to finish UFOs. We know there are groups in other places because they have read about us and asked for suggestions. We thank you all for coming and I hope you’ll take time to admire all the displays we have, including the scrapbook maintained by Judith, the pictures of all those who finished, and the yarn bin, of course. Our Supplies Swap was a huge success also, but all it did for me was add another project that I couldn’t resist. I have a feeling I was not alone. Anne, will you and Gary stand up?” She waved to them with both hands. “Our supper tonight was catered by Annie’s Fountain City Cafe. Didn’t they do a superb job?”

This time people stood to applaud.

Anne and Gary bowed and waved. Anne raised her voice. “MJ, you forgot the UFO group that meets early Friday mornings at the cafe. We have anywhere from four to ten in attendance, and since we are fairly new, I’m not sure how many projects have been finished but we sure have fun together.”

“Sorry.” MJ flinched.

“That’s okay.” Anne grinned. “This was our biggest event to cater and are we ever grateful for good helpers so we could celebrate with all of you. Thank you.”

“Thank you. MJ and I walk most mornings and stop at Annie’s for lattes and sometimes breakfast. I see more people there who are eating and often they have a project along with them. See, Amalia, what you have started.”

Amalia raised her hook and yarn again to more laughter.

“What an evening. Thank you all. And now Pastor Mike—his wife joined our group early on—would you please give the benediction?”

He stood at his table and smiled around the room. “What a gathering of unfinished objects. Good thing He has a plan to finish each one of us. As I look around, I see so many whose lives have changed dramatically this year, both for the good and the sad, but you people have stood by each other and offered whatever help you could give. So many unknown lives too have been touched by what you have been doing as God multiplies our efforts. Thank you.” He nodded. “Amazing.” He lifted his hands. “And now, may our good Lord bless and keep us. May His face shine upon us and above all, may He fill us with His peace. Amen. Congratulations, everyone. Keep it up.”

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