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| Together in LossI can tell from the cards and emails and phone messages and thoughtful words that you have all been through this. Losing someone we love is never easy. Even though I feel very blessed that my grandma shared her life with us for so many rich and wonderful years, I will still miss her very much. It means a lot to know that you will miss her too, and that you have been holding my family in your prayers. Of course, I am not the only one who has recently lost someone near and dear. And the holidays bring back memories of family, friends, and saints both long gone and newly departed. How thankful I am for a community of love and support which offers a haven in times of grief, and continuing moments of encouragement and joy to keep us going. Hebrews 12 speaks of the "great crowd of witnesses" which surrounds us all the time and offers us blessing, strength, and guidance. Often, during our worship services, I feel the strong presence of those who are with us in heaven. Love still flows between us and them. I believe that they are grateful when we remember them, and they smile upon us. One of the hymns that PB UMC enjoys singing includes, "When we all get to heaven, what a day of rejoicing that will be!" I know it makes me glad to think of the happy reunion continually going on within the embrace of God's eternal arms. Though sometimes death happens in times or ways that seem all wrong to us, we can be assured that God forever holds our loved ones close. As we move into the New Year, I pray that God will comfort those of you who mourn. If our wise and inspiring elders have taught us anything, it is that by continuing to engage in life, and continuing to welcome new friends into our hearts, we set our feet on the path to happiness and fulfillment. Thanks again for your many kindnesses throughout this season not only to me, but also to one another, and to those who are homeless and in need. Grace and peace to you in God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ. Pastor April |
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