Thanks to St. James from the Communications Coordinator

(Published Jan. 22 in our parish newsletter The Bells)

St. James was in a book we're reading with Education for Ministry (EfM). Not by name, exactly, but, in spirit. Theologian Luke Bretherton was explaining how Christian economics should value work that doesn't earn wages. Our churches, he writes, should "hold open times and spaces for wonder, prayer, rest, festivity, and play [to] regenerate the human spirit." That seems to me like a straightforward description of what we do here any given week, especially on Sunday mornings and Wednesday evenings. (For more about EfM, see our St. James EfM blog)

Speaking of unpaid work, I had only a vague notion of the efforts that go into a funeral before last Saturday's memorial service for my mom. Some of these were efforts by members of my own family - sister Kim displayed photos of Mom's life, brother Todd shared Mom's legacy through favorite memories, and his wife Alice and son Raymond made their scripture readings clear and meaningful.

And there was so much preparation made by members of the parish.

(Screenshot from the livestreamed service)

Dr. Black was here Friday rehearsing pieces for the service. He arranged his own reverent organ prelude from an old popular song that Mom sang for a lullaby, "You are my Sunshine." The Choir was there in robes to sing for the service.

Nuno Nuñez was here an hour early to set out the signs to help guests find our parking lot, and he ushered strangers to good seats. Jane Sanders set up the cremains and the altar. Andrea Keener was here to help both of them.

Mother Mariclair never had a chance to meet my mother, but she nonetheless drew together threads from the scripture readings that made a meaningful celebration of an educator, runner, and mom.

Just before the service started, Cathy Brown offered to ring the bell during communion. I hadn't thought to ask for that to be done, but then, during communion, I realized how much would have been missing without that rich, golden tone sounding during the Eucharistic Prayer.

Being an old drama teacher, I was looking for reviews. "It was so uplifting!" said Katey Evans after the service. The Livestream produced by Kevin Kamperman reached Mom's older cousin in hospice, whose daughter texted that it was beautiful. The service brought tears to the eyes of my niece Mary Alice in Japan. She texted that she also heard her uncle's voice during the hymns.

Sue Hannan was here the night before to set up tables for the reception. Then Jean Sommerville and Suz Traendly set tables with sandwiches from Hoboken Cafe, with drinks and flowers. When the reception was over, Suz took trays of sandwiches to The Men's Extension.

I was gratified to see such a turn out for Mom, who outlived many loved ones and friends. Her niece Lisa came down from Cincinnati. Also present were our longtime neighbor Doll, my friend Susan, my friends Suzanne & Dimitri, Mom's friends from Holy Innocents School -- Nikki and David, and many who taught with her and told me how much they had learned from her -- plus my friends from Walker School Mike, Deb, Philippa, Kemper, and Terri. Mom's longtime Visiting Angel and friend Laura Robinson was there, and so was Avis, a caregiver from Arbor Terrace who visited Mom several times after the move to a nursing home, including the last time I heard Mom speak.

To list all of these names is not to overlook the numerous parishioners who never knew my mom but joined with family and friends to celebrate her life.

I'm grateful every day for this parish, and particularly grateful for the support I had on that day.

L-R: Laura, me, Avis at the reception.