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Mary Martin and her husband Bob attended Hope Lutheran Church for the first time a few years ago and were impressed with the warm welcome. They had never heard such a wide open, come-as-you-are invitation to dine at God’s table. They began to attend regularly, and even if Bob had something else to do, Mary felt comfortable coming to worship alone.
In almost 58 years of marriage, it would be one of the rare times you might spot one without the other.
In December 2021, Bob received a terminal diagnosis. Sadly, only 4 months later, Bob passed from his earthly life on Holy Thursday at Cornerstone Hospice. Suddenly, in that very room, Mary experienced a feeling of being alone that she had never known.
Although Mary and Bob had never formally joined Hope, at Mary’s request, the hospice nurse placed a call to Hope's pastoral staff. Quickly, Pastor Pat joined Mary at Cornerstone Hospice. She stayed with her, comforted her, prayed with her, and even anointed Bob.
On Easter morning, Pastor Jon Marc included Bob in the Prayers of the Day, and also welcomed and talked with their son, Rob, who had come from New York to be with his mother.
Mary and Bob may not have been formal members of Hope, but they were no less loved by their church family.
Since Bob's passing, Mary has learned that, although her husband is gone, she no longer feels the loneliness she felt in that room at the hospice center. Instead, she has found a loving and caring church family at Hope that has provided support during her difficult times and has led her to helpful grief counseling and resources.
Mary has become part of Hope’s On Our Own Group, finding friendship, support, and fellowship through their meetings, events, and social activities. Although Mary has only recently begun her journey of grief, she is grateful for the individual members of Hope that have and will continue to accompany her on that journey.
Mary recently became a member of Hope Lutheran Church, formally joining the church family which has brought her so much comfort and peace.
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