Jody's Journal

June 28, 2007

Dear Family and Friends of the Kirk,

Having been in and out of town over the past few weeks, it is good to be home for a while. I enjoyed time with our youth and adults on the mission trip to West Virginia last week. We are blessed! We were saddened by of the death of Sara Saunders while we were away but I was privileged to see how Christian faith and care support us in difficult times. We are blessed to be in a congregation that knows how to love one another. I find myself comforted again and again by prayers, scriptures and music in the memorial services. God is indeed a present help in times of trouble.

One of the things Sara did very well was to plan for her service. I’ve been inspired by her to revise guidelines for services and develop a new form that will allow you to express wishes at the time of your death. Whether death is near or distant, preparing for your funeral can help you reflect deeply about the meaning of your faith and your life. I’ve also seen how those who pre-plan give a gift to those who are left behind. It is a great comfort to know the wishes of the loved one who died. I will be making those guidelines and forms available very soon. The staff is reviewing and revising them.

The 4th of July comes in the middle of the week this year. Having recently thought about matters of life and death, my mind and heart are directed toward members of the military and their families who have lost loved ones or fear losing loved ones. In staff meeting we also mentioned the need for prayer for the military chaplains who deal with suffering and death at a profound level. I know all will join in a prayer for peace. In closing, let me share a prayer with you that is based on a prayer from the Church of Scotland:

“God of goodness and truth, we offer our broken spirits for your healing, our searching for your guiding light; through Jesus Christ our Lord…. Grant that our remembrance this day may be consecrated for practical service, and the world made better for our children’s children. Receive our prayers for the well-being of all people, especially those who mourn and are sad, and for all in distress, both known to us and unknown….Grant that the people of the world may do your will and live in your spirit; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.”

In Faith, Hope and Love,

Jody