Last Sunday's worship at SUMC was by far the most memorable since my arriving in Scottsburg 16 months ago. We sang Gaither hymns, “He Touched Me,” and “Because he Lives.” Our choir's anthem was breathtaking, “God is good, God is great, God is faithful...” It was Laity Sunday and our Lay Leader Harry Baerveldt had worked for weeks preparing his “Worship Places” presentation. Harry read from Psalm 27:4, “One thing I ask of the Lord, that I will seek after; to live in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord, and to inquire in His temple.” Harry then showed his slides of some of the most beautiful places of worship on the face of the earth. Harry had taken each of the slides himself during his and Becky's journeys across our land and other lands.
As Harry showed the beauty of each house of God, he shared first hand experience of how each had impacted him along his journey of faith. One of the most memorable was a slide of our own house of God. Harry showed a picture of our “church on the hill” taken just after it opened in the fall of 1977. Its beauty was evident then, as it is still today.
After Harry's presentation, we surprised him with a plaque and a gift certificate honoring his many years faithful service as Lay Leader, Pastor Parish Relations Committee Chair, Lay Delegate to Annual Conference since1984 and as a constant source of encouragement, good humor, and love to us all. At the close of 2008 Harry will officially step down from his positions as Lay Leader and Lay Delegate.
As we begin 2009 Harry will of course continue his role as chief dispenser of good humor, encouragement and love. Thank you, Harry. You are a true saint of the church who continues to give of yourself without reservation. Just as the glory of God is evident in your slides of special places of worship, the glory of God is evident in your daily life, in your gentle poking of fun (mostly at yourself) and your cheery, good words for us all.
Harry is not the only saint of the church we're honoring from our service on Sunday. At the close of our service, our beloved June Cravens was rushed by ambulance to Scott Memorial Hospital. Just after noon Sunday, October 19, 2008, June entered her final rest. As we prepared for June's service in our sanctuary, we were filled with grief, yet we also stood in awe celebrating the life of this amazing woman of God whose very existence was a banner of service to others.
Whether it was working tirelessly in the church kitchen, visiting our homebound members in nursing homes, serving in countless ways with United Methodist Women, helping fold bulletins and newsletter, or whatever the task, June was there giving of herself always thinking first of the needs of others. June's life stands as a testament of strength and faithfulness to God.
Two saints of our church. One is still with us. One has claimed her everlasting glory, moving from her special house of worship, “the church on the hill” to the eternal dwelling place of God. The glory of God shines brightly in both saints' lives.
- Pastor Steve