Church of the Messia, N. Woodstock

     One fall day I was contacted by the local funeral director to officiate at the funeral of a woman who was nominally Episcopalian, who had died very suddenly.  Her husband of more than 20 years was absolutely devastated.  Inconsolable. At the request of his family I kept in touch with him, primarily through e-mail but occasionally by phone.

     I asked a member of the congregation who had also recently lost a spouse to write the man and offer some condolence, support, etc.  She did so and included a list of all the upcoming events, including Christmas Eve.  At the December ECW meeting they voted to send the man a poinsettia, as they do for all who have been bereaved over the year.  The plant was hand delivered by a member of the congregation.

      The man was so touched by the flower that he came to Christmas Eve service but left immediately afterwards.

     For the next 2 years he barely missed a Sunday.  He also began to attend the weeknight service.  For months he arrived quite early, but never stayed for coffee.  Gradually he stayed longer and longer. The person who for years had rung the bell before the service handed over the job to him. He baked bread for people.  The ECW asked him to cook for an event.  A while later he joined the Bishop's Committee.   Most important; he

smiles, he has friends, he brings guests once in a while, he has a new life.