Hello my friends,
The 5th was another Sunday you wish you had not missed. Or, on the other hand, you will continue to talk about with exclamations and nostalgia.
This was All Saints Sunday, of course, and the Brunswicks invited Nancy Brandl to sing the songs that fit the day: for our Contemplative Moment we heard, "A Better Place" and just before the message was "Poor Wayfaring Stranger." Never have I ever heard the music better.
Nancy has a way about her that makes you want to both grab a hanky to dab your eyes and sway with the tune. That's the kind of music I hope shows up at my memorial service. Truly.
Kevin Leninger read the names of those who have gone before us. Jennifer rang the bell after each one. We all had different memories of the people whose names we heard, but the beautiful part is that they are well-remembered and held close in our hearts.
The Brunswicks attended the memorial service for Jeanne Chapman that her daughter held for her on Saturday afternoon. They reported that several people spoke of the "new life" she seemed to gain in living here in Saint Helena: they attributed that increased zest to the United Methodist Church.
You all make a difference when you gather to sing and to pray; to listen and to speak on Sunday. Those who meet together feel more alive just because they were here.
It's called a "Community of Faith" and of course I refer to faith as "reliable relationships" and trust we are that for each other when we make these connections Sunday after Sunday.
Next Sunday, the 12th, Mike Greensill will return to the piano and the Reverend Ms. Wendy Weller will join us for the message. If you haven't been here for a while, you deserve the beauty of this sanctuary and the inspiration that you'll find here. If you have been here, well, I don't have to tell you a thing, do I?
Bring your pledge card back in--or mail it--for 2024 to help make another year possible. We plan for all of them to be tallied after Sunday, the 19th of November.
And on the 18th of November, Saturday, you will want to encourage our District Superintendent by being here for the annual All Church Meeting at 4 PM.
So keep on being a good neighbor wherever you are and you'll find the world is so much more enjoyable than they say it is on the news.
Love to you and yours,
Audrey
Pastor Audrey Ward
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