Dear Grandison-
I walked into church this morning and you weren't here.
Though you haven't been at church the past two Sundays, this morning I walked in and realized that what I called your temporary break is now your permanent break. Your spirit has gone to your heavenly home.
You won't be the first person I see every Sunday when I come into church anymore. You won't check up on me to ask me if I need anything. You won't be taking care of getting the bulletins downstairs. You won't be unlocking the sanctuary. You won't be doing all those other things that need to be done that only people like you seem to notice.
I am going to miss you so much. We are going to miss you so much.
Though we've only known each other for 8 months now, you have been a gift to this new pastor.
You have been such an encouragement to me saying: "I've never seen our congregation respond to someone like you. Nobody is complaining about you, and for us, that is a big deal."
Or, the time you told me that my third sermon at the church was the best anyone had every done to describe who and what the church was about.
Or, the time you told me that I was shaking things up around the church and you liked it.
These words meant more to me than you'll ever know. Your belief in me inspired me to do my job well, to love the church well too.
Rest assured, I will continue to do these things even though you won't be around to check up on me.
I am sorry we never had that conversation like you wanted on one my summer reading suggestions, Life Togetherby Bonhoffer. I was looking forward to what you might say about this book. Your mind was always sharp and willing to say what you thought even if others objected. I really liked this about you.
Today in worship there were tears for you. You'd probably say "Don't cry!" but we cried anyway.
We missed seeing you in your spot in the choir.
We missed hearing your laugh.
We even missed your commentary on how crazy we can be when we're trying to do business in Church Council.
Grandison, I love you and am so glad for the opportunity to get to know and serve as your pastor this year.
May you rest in peace knowing of the love and support not only of your biological family (for they are really great) but of your church family. You are a part of our heart now and forevermore.
Thanks be to God for your life.
Love,
Pastor Elizabeth
