A Great Send Off

Yesterday was a very busy day for us at St. James.

We had already planned to have a Prayer Breakfast in the morning and our Video Workshop in the afternoon, so we knew it was going to be a full day.

But yesterday was also the day we celebrated the life of the Mother of St. James, Florence Morgan.

In my Father's house there are many dwelling places. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, so that where I am, there you may be also.  - John 14:3

It turned out to be a beautiful day, with the rain holding off until late afternoon.  In fact, as we were walking back to our cars at Woodlawn Cemetery, the clouds pressed in and a cool breeze reminded us that there was a change in the air.

I had a chance to talk with one of her grandsons.  He shared his memories of attending Sunday School in the room we now use for our Bible Study and Prayer Group sessions.

He stood in the very spot where Florence would park her wheelchair and in a soft-spoken voice that reminded me of her, he told me he would come more often if he didn't have to work on Sundays.

There was something very right about yesterday.  A church is supposed to be alive with activity, celebrating life in all forms, at all times and in as many ways as possible.

Having family and friends gather together to share their feelings, their wishes for each other, their prayers and their joys is what community and communion are all about.

I think Florence would have been very happy yesterday.  She had told me many times how much she loved St. James and how lively and active it used to be there.

What better send off than to bring everyone together in a loving celebration of her life?

Today, as we gather together again, I know she will be with us in spirit, and I believe she will be smiling.

We miss you, Florence.  You are with us always.

More to come...