Dear Caldwell,
That’s an odd thing to hear, isn’t it? We’re not used to the words “good” and “funeral” sitting side by side. Nonetheless, I heard that more than once yesterday from visitors, family members of the Pettys, even the man from the funeral home.
Noone welcomes memorial services, especially those that come with the pain and the poignancy of the one yesterday for our sister Ebony Petty, who was called home too soon. But it’s important to “get them right.” By that, I mean as opportunities to gather, find comfort together, be assured of the promise of the Resurrection, celebrate the gift of a life like Ebony’s and, even when we don’t have the words to say to the bereaved, hold them close.
The Caldwell family did that and more yesterday for our members Wilma and Sade and their friends and family and each other. As the “repast” came to a close and our Congregational Care and Fellowship volunteers straightened up the kitchen, I said a prayer of thanks. Thanks for those volunteers and all who cooked. Thanks for the rich and restorative worship. Thanks for the inspiration from our choir. Thanks for the genuine hospitality extended. Thanks for the family that has formed here and how you walk with each other through joys and sorrows. Thanks for your generosity in “doing a good funeral” that assures our soul and strengthens us for the next step in the journey.
Thankfulness is associated with today and this Sunday on the church calendar, as well. Today is known as the day of the Epiphany of Our Lord and Sunday is Baptism of Our Lord Sunday. Both continue the unfolding story of the revelation of Christ’s identity as the messiah, the one who has come as grace embodied, Savior to all. Veronica will preach on what baptism means for each of us. (Text is Acts 19:1-7)
PLEASE NOTE: These days are also associated with the visit of the Magi, who brough gifts to the manger. Likewise, the Missions and Justice Committee invites all of us to conclude our Advent and Christmas seasons by bringing non-perishable food stuffs (canned meat, cereal, fruit juice) on Sunday to offer as our gifts to Christ. They will go to Loaves and Fishes, one of our ministry partners that alleviates hunger locally.
I mistakenly said last week that Adult Sunday school resumed then but I know for sure it resumes this week, in the Shelby Room at 9:45 a.m. Breakfast with Caldwell House prep is at 7:00 and is served at 8:30.
Now, one more time for good measure,
“Go tell it on the mountain, Over the hills and everywhere;
Go tell it on the mountain that Jesus Christ is born.”
In Chris, John