In the last couple of weeks, three women, all integrally involved in the life of the Emmanuel Community, have died: Alice Wall, a former parish secretary and friend to many here, Jane Staats, a longtime member and Betty Rosenwald, also a longtime member and mother of Emmanuel's previous rector. Their cremated remains will be at rest in our Memorial Garden, Betty and Jane in adjacent niches.
After her time at Emmanuel, Alice Wall and her husband went on to become the resident directors at Camp Huston in their retirement. Jane Staats was a committed and long-term member, her father having been the organist and church musician here. Her sister Ruth continues to be in our midst every Sunday. Betty Rosenwald reared her children in this faith community, was away for a while and returned when Randal was called as rector and remained here after he was called away. She was incredibly supportive of the new guy (me) and his family. I will never forget her generosity of spirit.
As a Christian community, we are held together by the love of Christ and supported in our journey through our interconnected lives. This interconnectedness is most evident, I think, when we gather around the One Table and share of the One Bread and the One Cup. That is the outward and visible sign of how, in the great mystery of God, we are knit together as the Body of the Risen Christ.
On Friday we will gather once again to say together the ancient prayers of the church. They are the prayers that remind us that those we love have died, but are not lost. Never lost. We will give thanks for Betty's life, as we did for Jane's and will soon for Alice. We will then gather around the table, share equally in in the body and blood of Christ, and then, before we leave the church we will remember "that even at the grave we make our song: Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia."
It is at times like this, when the air is thick with grief, that I am most thankful for my baptism into the Christian life. And grateful for those with whom I share the journey.
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