September 17, 2022: SATURDAY IN THE WEEK AFTER PENTECOST
Revelation 21:1-4, 22-26 ; Psalm 90; Saint John 14:1-3

I only met Joen Larson once — on the day we said “Farewell and Godspeed” to her and to Duane on his final day as senior pastor. I didn’t have the privilege of knowing her as so many of you did. I certainly didn’t experience the love you, Duane, and she shared. I never experienced her passion for inclusion of all and equality for all, especially women. Several of you have shared with me your experiences with her — a strong, independent, dependable, and trustworthy confidante, always attentive, an active listener. With deep admiration, you have written of her as an accomplished and admired educator, education administrator, and educator of educators. You tell about the depth and breadth of her caring, especially for young adults, particularly those experiencing disruptive and seemingly endless transitions; how she was “there” for them. You each have fond and very personal memories of Joen, memories I cannot share nor dare interpret. I didn’t know her. But I do know of her courage as she faced the power of death; I do know her faith and yours; and I do know Christ, as you all do; and because of all of that; and because we are determined, even at the grave to sing “alleluia,” I want to tell you a story — a conversation overheard, or at least imagined, a private conversation between a husband and wife– she on her deathbed, he seated close beside, both of them hoping still to say what needed saying most before the end.

Continue reading →

In Memoriam: August Perry Azure
Seventh Sunday after Epiphany, February 20, 2022
Ecclesiastes 3: 1-13; Psalm 23; 1 Corinthians 15: 50-55; Saint John 14:1-6

In nomine Jesu!

From Ecclesiastes we’ve learned that there is a time for virtually everything; everything except the death of a child, particularly before his parents, grandparents, and great grandparents. We are mourning that untimely dying today. So, as we commend August Perry Azure into the hands of God, we need to acknowledge his parents’ and grandparents’ and great-grandmother’s grief, as well as the rest of his family’s, at Augie’s passing. Twenty-nine is just too young. We grieve for Augie with you. We also grieve for you. No one should have to deal with a situation like this. You should not have to deal with this. Some of us have been weeping with you since we learned of Augie’s death. All of us weep with you today.

Continue reading →