From the Pastor’s Study

We had a powerful Lenten Season and a beautiful Easter Sunday.  Jill Crunkleton, an elder on our Session and a Hospice worker, led us in four Wednesday evening programs during Lent on becoming a “Dementia Friendly Faith Community.”  Jill brought her expertise and passion to these programs.  All in attendance were edified, and Jill helped our community to overcome our dis-ease and begin to embrace more fully our members and caregivers dealing with dementia.

Holy Week was very moving.  We had our traditional lentil soup and bread on Maundy Thursday, with a Eucharistic Service remembering how Jesus washed the disciples’ feet and gave us the Holy meal to remember him. Debbielee Whelchel and Cheri Crutchfield Luhn provided two wonderful Gillian Welch songs for the service.  Many thanks to them and to Barbara Luhn for the music, and to all the soup makers.

On Good Friday the choir sang four anthems, and we had a service of lessons and carols remembering the life of Jesus.  The service concluded as we stood and read the passion narrative.

The weather was beautiful on Easter Sunday for both our Sunrise Service and the traditional Easter Service at 11 am.  The choir, led as always by Barbara Luhn, was magnificent, as was the Nacoochee Bell Choir, directed by Clarissa Evans.  The musicians of our community put so much into preparing for Lord’s Day worship and the High Holy days; thank you for sharing your time and your great talents with us and before God.

And thank you to our youth leaders, our church youth, and all the folks who brought food for fellowship time plus eggs to hide for the Easter Egg Hunt following the service on Easter Sunday.

I begin a sabbatical on May 9.  My heart is full of gratitude for this congregation.  Your support and love have been steadfast for me and for my family.  Thank you!

And thank you to Gary Bagley, our newest Parish Associate, who will “mind the gap” while I am away.  I feel very confident that good things will happen in my absence.  I return on September 4.  See you then.

Peace,

Bob

~~~~~~~~

NOTE: On May 5 we will be recognizing the graduating seniors of our community of faith during the 11:00 am worship service.  The students graduating are Clarke Bailey, Sebastian Herrera, River Fox Nickelson, and Bess Prim.