March 23, 2022

Role Models for Service – For all the Saints – Part One

Read UMH 711

The pandemic has affected us all in different ways, some good and some not so good. The not so good part for me has a great deal to do with not being able to gather as a community of faith in the ways we have come to know and love. We have lost several church members who have passed on during the past two years who were role models for service to God, the church, and the community. We have not always been able to celebrate these saints as we might have during non-pandemic times. Yet we stand upon their shoulders. They have passed the baton to us to keep the faith and nurture our youth so that they may know the blessings of being part of the church - the body of Christ. I would like to acknowledge a few of those who have passed on who have had a lasting impact on my faith journey.

Evelyn Montgomery was a long-time member of Grosse Pointe United Methodist Church. I met her through my participation in United Methodist Women’s activities, and she was a member with me of our Witness Committee for many years. Evelyn was always serving her church with a smile on her face and a kind word for everyone. She was always helping in the kitchen with Priscilla van Horne, cooking and serving for various functions. Evelyn was a wonderful member of our Witness team. Her wisdom and faith helped guide our efforts. I am forever grateful to her for her successful pitch to purchase an ice maker. It’s the little things.

Georgia Webber – Georgia was a fairly recent member of the church, moving to Michigan to be nearer to family. She jumped right in and was very active in church activities. Her smile and kindness could light up a room. Her faith was deep. She was as sweet as the baklava she made for auction at Palooza each year.

Jim Evans – Jim Evans taught me a lot about connecting with others and living your faith. He loved GPUMC and was very active in all aspects of the church programming. He and his wife Lucy worked tirelessly in the men’s department at many rummage sales. They loved the fellowship with other members and the people who showed up to shop. I remember one day I came into church and found Lucy and Jim cleaning the parlor. This is something they did regularly, though quietly. I remarked to Jim that I was
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really touched that he and Lucy would dedicate time to make sure things were just right
in the parlor before Sunday. Jim responded by saying “We live to serve!” That kind of says it all.

“In all this I have given you an example that by such work we must support the weak, remembering the words of the Lord Jesus, for he himself said, ‘it is more blessed to give than to receive.’” – Acts 20:35

Nancy Grose