of people gathered at Salem to honor God's gift of Dee Palmer to this
community. Heralded as DeKalb County's "Music Man", the more of himself
he gave to his community, the more beloved he became. His seemingly
endless energy and enthusiasm carried him to almost 100 years of life.
While few people can say they have served at anything continuously for 63
years or have had a life-size statue erected in their honor, this man
humbly carried on his work, receiving joy and energy from the support of
the musicians who worked with him and the community who loved the music he
so ably chose and conducted.
While we pause to honor Dee and express appreciation, sorrow, and loss,
let us also pause to give thanks to God for one who so keenly loved the
work God created him for, and one who so faithfully fulfilled his role in
life. Family shared they never knew a more loving, kind man, one who
chose to look for the best in people and refused to blame anyone if he was
wronged.
Times like these are a gift to us if we use them well. While we are not
called to worship or idolize any human being, there are the "greats" in
our communities and world whose candle seems to shine a bit brighter than
those around them. If we take the time to learn from their lives, look at
their choices and values, and the results – seen or unseen – they can
become a worthwhile model for us, a "shining example". No one is perfect,
but some people certainly seem to make better use of God's gift of life
than others.
In faith we trust that God has welcomed Dee into the heavenly realm,
bestowing upon him unknown joy and love, that his heart might sing forever
God's praise and his soul know the Lord face to face. Thanks be to God.
Thank you, Dee.
Carla Vanatta, Associate in Ministry
Salem Lutheran Church, Sycamore, IL
Salem Reminders:
Christ the King Sunday completes the Liturgical church year this weekend.
Traditional worship at 5 p.m. Saturday &, 8:00 Sunday and Praise Team
worship 10:30 a.m. Sunday. Salem Sunday School Children are rehearsing
for their Christmas Program as well as regular class lessons at 9:15 a.m.
Sunday.
Thank you to all who have signed up to work at the Feed my Starving
Children pack days – Confirmation students and Families Friday night and
other Salem helpers on Sunday. Financial gifts are also welcomed to pay
for the ingredients @ 24 cents per manna pack.
Salem Christmas Cantata rehearsals continue Wed. evenings at 8 and Sunday
evenings at 6.
Take time to worship and give thanks. Plan to attend Salem's Thanksgiving
Eve worship next Wed. Nov. 23rd at 7 p.m. followed by pie and coffee in
Fellowship Hall. Invite a friend or your family.
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