Brothers and Sisters,

This week, our hearts are heavy with grief as we mourn the loss of Mark, the son of Dennis and Elizabeth Baker.  We share in their sorrow, for through Christ and this congregation, we are bound to them, and we love them.  This is what it means to be family; this is what it means to be the body of Christ.  We grieve together, carrying each other’s burdens. We do this by sitting with families that have suffered loss, by sharing in Celebrations of Life and embodying the presence of God by being present and providing for their needs. 

On Sunday afternoon, we will welcome guests during the Visitation (2 p.m.) and Funeral Services (3 p.m.).  We will show hospitality to those who come we don’t know, and we will mourn together with the family our human loss even as we express our resurrection hope that comes from Jesus Christ, who loves Mark and who loves Dennis and Elizabeth and all those who are affected by Mark’s life and Mark’s death.  And how we grieve is a testimony of hope to the world around us. 



So, I hope to see you twice this Sunday: first, as we Worship God and Celebrate Pentecost, and then as we Worship God and Celebrate Mark Baker's life.

Peace,

Pastor Burt