My dear friends in Christ,

In the space of a month, my brother mentioned what he thought was a small ailment and saw his doctor.  We learned it was cancer, that it was aggressive and metastatic, and he died. I am still in a blur about what happened so quickly, and likely will be for a while, but one thing I know.

Many Glen Mar folks have lived out the best of being the body of Christ for me. You have sent me cards, given me hugs, made room for my tears, filled in for my classes, and cared for me in many ways. It touched me deeply that so many of you made the trip to Silver Spring to be there for Lee’s service. Conducting that service, even with all the requests he provided for me to follow, was probably the hardest thing I’ve ever done. Seeing your faces in the congregation warmed my heart in a profound way and gave me strength.

Saying “thank you” doesn’t seem nearly enough, but please know how grateful I am in this time of deep grief. Thank you for showing up for me. Please continue to show up for one another. It’s so important, and is God’s good work in the world.

With love+,

Pastor Gayle

PS.  Please join us this Sunday, March 29 at either the 9:30 am or 11:00 am Palm Sunday service, where we remember the Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem.