We had almost 90 people at this service. Our congregation was supplemented with prior members, Catherine’s friends from other churches, local friends, and family. It was like a giant homecoming. Some came for the service, the reception afterwards and both.
In addition she provided a tangible gift to all in the service -a votive candle made from old candles burned at St. Peter’s. It took most of the week to get the process down. It is a symbol of what we hear. God encourages us to make all things new as well as the love she holds for this community. She brought them to the service to distribute which provided a time to connect.
Catherine opened all the stops for the service. The music reflected what we had sung over the years, such as the “Scottish Blessing”, “Alleluia, Alleluia”, and “There’s a sweet sweet Spirit” with a repeat of the tongues of fire from the Gallery. Her stole was made from Susan Tilt who made many artist additions during her time here. An image of the St. Peter’s banner was included on the stole.
The resources page speaks to the Celtic influence in parts of the service – her theological depth with contributions from John Philip Newell, the Iona Community in Scotland as well as resources from as far away as Northern Africa and even close to us on Emerald Island, a favorite vacation spot.
The sermon was about St. Peter’s being an “Alleluia Congregation.” We only omit the Alleluia during Lent. From the sermon – “Although they hold within them the sorrows of the world, today’s readings remind us that resurrection waits after every ending, with the promise of new life to come. In the end, the alleluias win.”
From the conclusion “Wrapped around everything we bring to this table is God’s mercy, and God’s steadfast love, and God’s faith in us. And so we come in faith. And we come in hope. We come to this table because it is at this table that we can always hear, if we listen, the music of alleluias, maybe faintly, maybe pulsing like the heartbeat thrumming through our bodies.
“Alleluia. The cry of faith, the essence of hope, the sound of joy, the defiant shout even in the face of death—”All of us go down to the dust; yet even at the grave we make our song: Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia.”
“We are an alleluia congregation. This day of ending is also a day of resurrection, a day of new beginnings for all of us. No wonder this place echoes with alleluias, for alleluia is the word that that has rung down through the ages, whispered and spoken out and shouted in joy and in even in doubt by the faithful. ”
This was an incredible service from those who have supported the church , particularly in the reception and gifts – Andrea Pogue, Jan Saylor and Johnny and Cookie Davis. Andrea put together the food and the slide show. Jan did a testimonial, the ECW book, and the youth song. All helped with the tents and organizing the yard. Johnny and Cookie were over on Saturday to organize the tents and flowers.
Catherine was overwhelmed with the gifts. From the ECW Catherine received an Apple Watch and book but there were many gifts from the congregation to her. Ben received an new camera from the ECM, timely since his cameras have “seen better days.” They are worn out!