Thursday Thoughts
I’m writing today because there will be no Coffice Hours tomorrow morning. I am officiating at the funeral of the former Chief of a fire department I once served as chaplain; he was a good friend as well. Though he never darkened the church door, Butch and I used to joke that, some Sunday soon when I needed a break, he would take my pulpit for me. That sure would be a first for him, and likely a last for me! As his obituary put it, “He led a full life, had few regrets, and arguably said a few too many inappropriate things… he was well-traveled and could order a beer in seven different languages.” Requiescat in pace, my friend.
This Sunday Mr. Jeff Birch will be leading worship as I take a week’s vacation. Jeff is a Member in Discernment in the Middlesex Association, attends Lexington Theological Seminary in preparation for ministry, and is a member of First Congregational Church in Essex. He is also serving as an intern, or student minister, at Niantic Community Church, so he knows his way around a worship service. I think our congregation will enjoy the change of pace this weekend. I’ll be back in town Saturday August 13 and will rejoin you all in worship the next day. Blessings, everyone!
Sunday’s bulletin and service links are here: