Saints of St. John's

To my former church family; all the saints of St. John’s:

God’s blessing to you my dear friends. Kat and I were overcome with joy as we walked the halls of our beautiful St. John’s Baptist Church. For the first time in many years we returned to an out pouring of love that we so fondly remembered. It is difficult for me to express the grace and love we experienced yesterday. I was overcome with emotions and can only try to share with you how blessed we feel to have each of you in our lives.
In many ways nothing had changed. Larry and Emily greeted us as they would have many years ago. Bob was greeting folks in the hallway in the adult Sunday School area. The aroma of hot coffee wafted throughout. How perfect that my dear friend Jane would walk up to me on queue. As we entered the Far Side SS class everything was as remembered.

The lesson was on Miracles! How perfect that for 38 years the man sat by the healing waters waiting for healing. Jesus asked if he wanted to be healed and the response was an assumed “of course”. Ken related the story to us and how we all find our own ‘comfort zones’, recognizing that to change would mean to give up something we are accustomed too. How many years have I waited for my ears to hear these words clearly spoken by Ken?

What we call Miracles are to Jesus, normal occurrences. What we experience as healing is actually what God wants for all of His children. How do we acknowledge that we all need healing when we go about our everyday activities feeling fine? Is it when we stop to help the less fortunate that we experience healing? Jesus said that when you help the least, last and lost you do it unto Him. Are we aware of our need for healing?

Kat and I began our healing journey over two years ago when she was diagnosed with Ankylosing Spondylitis, a form of arthritis of the spine. Quickly my mind raced to ‘fix’ the problem as I had always done, yet this time I could not fix it. I’ve learned through many lessons to let go and let God! The healing process is still underway as we both learn that healing presents itself in different ways at different times. We’ve learned that it all begins with forgiveness. Asking God’s forgiveness as well as forgiving ourselves. It is hard work, to be sure; however the peace that follows is better than any ‘comfort zone’ I’ve ever experienced.

Lou shared that his mom, Betty, one of my mom’s lifetime friends was a church today! As I turned to go upstairs I ran into Jenks who is as beautiful as ever! Once upstairs in the sanctuary I couldn’t believe my eyes. So many friends I’ve missed seeing. Virginia and I spoke on the phone Saturday and she was standing up front so I would be able to see her. (No, this is not a short joke!)

She is my dear Virginia who has such wisdom and warmth and is a giant in stature! Years ago Jack and Virginia turned to me after a sermon about angels amongst us and they told me I was an angel to them! I know now that when you radiate love, those you are with reflect back what you are sending. In this case they were sending love my way! They have been my angels and how grateful I am for their love!

As we were getting ready for worship I spotted another saint, Tom, or Thomas as his beautiful wife Marie would refer to him fondly. Tom and my late father, Ross, were in SS together for many years. Church at St. John’s brought back memories of a vibrant music ministry as we heard from all ages of children and young adults in the choir celebrating worship with musical instruments and voices lifting the name of God, the Alpha and the Omega. We shared the ‘passing of the peace’ which finally gave me the opportunity to get a hug from Betty. After the service Kat and I lingered for awhile, seeing more friends and experiencing so much joy!
We thank you all for your hospitality; for after all is said, our memories are our most cherished gifts from life. You are a company of saints and I hope to pass your way again soon!

Your sister in Christ,
Gail