My day started with a memorial at our little church. My sister in Christ said farewell to her husband of 36 years, taken too soon by Alzheimer’s. These gatherings certainly look different than they used to. Chairs are spaced according to social distancing standards, there is no hugging, and we Baptists are denied what we do best…fellowship over a great potluck buffet.
But that doesn’t keep me from being energized. I mean I don’t want to sound macabre, but my pastor does a great funeral. They are always fused with hope and not finality. He challenges all in attendance to use the gathering as an opportunity to reflect so that each person has the assurance of being right with God.
That crowd was barely cleared from the parking lot when the Youth started setting up for their camp fund silent auction. So many beautiful things, all hand made. Dennis, one of our deacons, has an entire shop full of woodworking equipment. He makes stunning polished bowls. They are usually the coveted items of any auction at our church. However, Chuck came close to rivaling him with these beautiful hand-carved crosses. Cassie’s beautiful art in which I saw the universe. Lily is gifted with watercolors and her brother, Wyatt, made one of the most creative benches I’ve ever seen.
Mitch made me cross my heart and hope to die before I left that I would not bring anything home that wasn’t consumable. So, I spent my money over at Veronica’s table. One of them is a surprise for Mitch’s birthday on Wednesday.
Rimma
But my favorite moments were spent with Rimma, my friend and sister in Christ from Russia. We were curious about the newly donated bench at our stone remembrance, so we walked over to what we discovered was not just a bench but a glider too. We sat by ourselves at a distance, watching the scurrying of the youth at the auction, talking quietly. It was cathartic. I love Rimma and I should tell her more often. If I had to describe my friend, I would say that she is a deep ocean. I suspect she’s had experiences that would surprise me. She looks at the world seriously and wisely and she is endlessly devoted to her kids. I feel blessed that she is my friend. I should tell her that more often too.
Have you ever sat back and watched your church body do what they do and been amazed? It’s like looking in the back of one of those expensive watches where you can see all the intricate inner workings. Every piece has a job, and every piece crosses the path and intersects with all the others. Tell me what you see at Lifting Her Voice, Facebook, Instagram or Twitter.
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