HELLO!

I don’t typically send this weekday blog to our 480 church subscribers but there are three deaths-funerals I want to share with you. You may know all three or none of these persons, but we can all keep these families in our prayers. The families, all of whom I have met recently, appreciate our support. As the United Church Creed says, “We are not alone, we live in God’s world” We were not made to live or die alone. Love sustains…

On Friday March 6^th from 1-4 pm the family of the late Harvey Foston will gather in the Sams Room to celebrate his good life. At 130 pm we will pause the conversations for a short, informal, prayer service for the family. Bethe and I will both be participating. For those who don’t know Harvey, he is the grandfather of Chelsea Pugh, a member of our church, sings in the choir, partner of Kaitlin, and our source of all whale knowledge. Chelsea loved her grandfather deeply. I visited with the family last week. You could feel the love in the room. If you would like to leave words of condolence, here is the funeral home obituary: https://www.arbormemorial.ca/en/atlantic-dartmouth/obituaries/harvey-marshall-foston/156739.html

On Monday March 9^th at 2 pm we celebrate the life of Gordon Joycey. I met the family yesterday and we have planned his funeral with care. We hope you can join us in the Woodlawn United sanctuary. I had several visits with Gordon. And…Bob Watt sent me this photo from 2019 when the local Kiwanis Club presented Ralph MacKenzie and I with community service certificates. Gordon Joycey, as President of the club, offered words of thanks. Neither Gordon nor I remembered this. I look forward to returning the favour and speaking words of thanksgiving for Gordon’s life. If you would like to leave words of condolence for Gordon’s family here is the funeral home obituary: https://www.arbormemorial.ca/en/atlantic-dartmouth/obituaries/gordon-ralph-joycey/156654.html

And…very sad news to share, Eileen Eisener has died. I had many wonderful visits with Eileen when she was in hospital. I was with the family this morning, we surrounded her bed with love and words of gratitude. Under the quilt was the prayer shawl I presented her in the hospital (thank you Rosalyn), her favorite dress, and a heart sent to her by our Sunday School this past Valentine’s Day. Eileen’s funeral will be at Woodlawn United Church Sunday March 29^th at 2 pm. No obituary has yet been written. I will send that information out to you at a later date.

I try my best to keep the church up to date and informed, with joy-filled news (like all the new people joining our church on March 22 – 7 youth, 28 adults, and counting…by way or Baptism/Confirmation/Profession of Faith or Transfer, in the last year and a half). And on top of the that 2 or 3 Newcomer forms filled out each Sunday (whom I call that afternoon, asking if they want a visit). The Great Cloud of Witnesses (Hebrews 12:1-2) remain, added to gathering are Harvey, Gordon and Eileen. And new members of our community will feel their presence. We are blessed.

Peace, Kevin