Dear Caldwell,
As I write, I am caught between the myriad stories and feelings that came with today’s service to celebrate the life of Jimmy Todd … and the promise of worshipping again on Sunday morning.
First, a word about Sunday morning. Tianna Butler, our Davidson College intern, will conclude her internship with us with her sermon, titled “Prayer, Peace and Purpose.” She has been a pleasure to have in our midst and I hope you’ll make a point of speaking to her after the service. I am sure we will see her again.
As for today’s service, thanks to the many, many people who helped out in so many ways. We wanted to honor Jimmy by hosting his friends and family in the church he loved – and we wanted to do so in top form. Thanks for those who directed traffic, ushered, provided fellowship, cleaned up. And thanks to Smitty and the choir for a moving renditon of “In the Cross.” As Jimmy was fond of saying, “Supergood!”
My eulogy included these words:
“For his final years here, Jimmy was an active part of one big celebration … a celebration of God’s inclusive grace that brought the church back to life and led Jimmy to say, “I’ve seen more love in this church than I’ve seen in my whole life.”
That is Jimmy’s legacy and it is our responsibility to keep this joyous celebration of God’s grace and acceptance going and going strong.”
You can view a photo review of Jimmy’s Life here. http://obits.dignitymemorial.com/dignity-memorial/obituary.aspx?n=James-Todd&lc=2734&pid=158732110&mid=5181405&Affiliate=charlotte&PersonID=158732110&FHID=5889
Also, below, I’ve included a brief essay by Jimmy’s close friend – and co-champion of our Buildings and Grounds – Fred Powers. It’s a lovely reflection on the man and their relationship.
We keep Jimmy’s family and close friends in our prayers. I leave it with you on that note and wish you rest and restoration this weekend.
In Christ,
John
“CHANGING TIDES”
by Fred Powers July July 23,2012 A dear friend asked; how are you doing? I confidently replied. I am feeling, thanks be to God! I feel bewildered like the elephant who is slowly moving around one of their fellows who is lying motionless on the ground. Reaching out with my trunk trying to methodically poke around trying to internalize the reality that my friend is now motionless and not making any sounds? I also feel like there is a big hole in the ground where a large tree stood just hours ago. Now fallen, torn out by the roots from some storm which had little wind, lightening or thunder. I rang the church bell quietly three times and then spent a long time yesterday aimlessly playing the piano in the empty Sanctuary as I have done many times over the years to play out my feelings. There was a box of Kleenex conveniently located on the side of the piano which I indulged in off and on while I looked for the melodies which matched my feelings of loss and joy. What I finally found was a mix of fragmented church songs mixed in with a whole new part of the piano I have never explored before. All sharps (those little black keys on the top of the keyboard. Those abstractly flowing sounds all fit together as if God knew someone was eventually going to receive the deep joy of seeing the wonderful plan of the finished side of the tapestry after spending a life time of questioning all the loose ends of thread which made up our journey. I feel very contented now to play the sharp keys only which connect me with God’s gift in the Sanctuary of music as I have never known before. Jimmy was truly a brother and a father figure to me all rolled up in one unmistakable package who I will continue to refer to when I need to better understand change.
Scotty here; still in the Engine Room in our Enterprise.