I have usually found it hard write GraceNotes when it is my turn to write
them. My schedule is sometimes so full and I really can't write them
during the day because of the numerous interruptions in the office. Plus,
I have a hard time putting thoughts to paper and have a bit of an
inferiority complex about my writing ability. But this time when it is my
turn I find it doubly hard … and then again … maybe easier to write.
As most of you know my family and I recently lost our oldest son, Sean.
He died at age 38 on June 8 -- his visitation was June 12, funeral was
June 13, and he was buried on June 22. I have always known that Salem is
a strong community of faith … and it was never so clearly brought home to
me as it was the evening of Sean's visitation. It was later told to me
that Pastor mentioned during her Sunday announcements that if anyone was
planning to attend the visitation for Sean, that perhaps they would
consider coming around 7:00 because we were planning a Lutheran service on
Sunday (a Catholic funeral and military service were planned for Monday).
We had many Salem people come through the visitation line all during the
day as well as family friends and classmates of Sean. But as it neared
7:00 we looked out to a room filled to capacity with familiar Salem faces.
As Pastor began the service, I could literally feel the presence and
support and prayers of all of them, even though my back was to them. I
have never ever felt anything like it before. It is a feeling that I will
always remember and always be grateful for. You all have been so
wonderful with your support for me and for my family. I know I would
never have been able to go through this alone and I can't imagine anyone
having to go through it without a church family, a community of faith,
like Salem.
I just wanted to say thank you, thank you for all your cards, memorial
gifts, and prayers. They have been most appreciated and gratefully
received. And, in the case of the prayers they have literally been felt
in my heart.
With a Grateful Heart,
Sue McMillan
Upcoming at Salem …
Saturday – July 2
WORSHIP – 5:00 p.m.
Sunday – July 3
WORSHIP – 8:00 a.m. (with Hammered Dulcimer Solos)
Hospitality Hour – 9:15 a.m. in F.H. with a
demonstration of Hammered Dulcimer by Jim Kline
WORSHIP – 10:30 a.m. (with Hammered Dulcimer Solos)
Sunday Night Thing – 7:00 p.m.
Monday – July 4
Church and Office Closed for July 4th Holiday
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