Today we held a memorial service for Eleanor Bowersox, a longtime member of Calvary United Methodist Church. We heard remembrances of her life, and we were reminded once again of God’s steadfast love that is available not only in this life but in the life that is to come.
One of the memories I have of Eleanor was when she took part in the Volunteer in Mission trip to Grenada in 1989. We had to take two flights to get to this tiny Caribbean nation. When we arrived at the airport in the capital city, we were met by our hosts, who drove us up into the jungle mountains to where we would be staying. Our group was divided up into pairs and individuals, and we would not see each other again until the next morning when we met for the Sunday worship service. I was leading the group, and I was anxious to see everybody make it safely to the chapel. When the service began, Eleanor was standing in front of me. Suddenly, she collapsed on the floor, and we rushed to see if she was alright. She had fainted from the heat and dehydration, but soon enough, she revived and stood to sing the next hymn in the worship service. And she was one of the hardest workers in the days that followed that week.
That says something about Eleanor. She was tougher than she looked and there was very little that could get in the way of her singing and participating in a worship service!
I am so very grateful for all those who have modeled of faith. Their witness in both words and deeds has helped me to know the truth and richness of the gospel. Their faith is like the flame that is shared from one candle to another until a whole room is filled with light. May we all shine our light and share the hope that is within us through Jesus Christ.
Grace and peace,
Pastor Steve