One day a week, she stuffed envelopes, answered the phone, greeted guests, and stapled documents. She was part of the cadre of women who volunteered in the main office, but there was some rare sparkle to Pat. Just the right amount of sass exuded from her when she swished her head as her fashionable silver bob cut accentuated her wry smile. She frequently brought chocolate to the office! Once a year she invited all the women who worked full-time at the church (secretaries, ministers, program assistants) to her Plaza condo for a lavish lunch. Pat was fun and had a unique knack for making people feel special and loved. In her perfectly decorated home, we were enveloped by her warmth and grace.
Pat was single, and I don’t recall if she had ever had a husband or children. But she was certainly very self-sufficient, rather no-nonsense. And joy came her way when she generously shared her life with others. Last summer we got a call from a banker who explained that Pat had bequeathed her estate to a niece and nephew for their lifetime care. But 30 years later, that niece and nephew both passed and the remainder of that trust would now be gifted to the church. It made me smile, remembering how much she loved the church and her gentle, tender touches. Her gift came unrestricted and so the board and finance committee prayerfully discerned the top priorities of the congregational strategic priorities as well as the master building plan. And they asked me, “Tell us about Pat. What was she like?”
In the coming weeks, you will see that the chancel area hardwood floors have been restored to their original beauty, and there are no longer splintered wood steps for brides, elders, or scripture readers to trip on during a worship service. Half of you will see that the ladies’ room is no longer rusted out and the ceiling no longer leaks. The red carpet in the narthex says “welcome” instead of “watch your step.” I can picture Pat crossing her arms and nodding in approval! The projects are Pat’s way of lavishing us with love, even these 27 years after her death. “For love is as strong as death . . . . Many waters cannot quench love” (Song of Solomon 8). Her legacy repeats the joy she knew in life – giving herself away in love, delighting others. Whether to her family or church family, her generous love empowered others, and that gave her life and her death profound meaning and purpose.
Grace and Peace,
Carla
