91 Years...So Much Ministry!

Today, on this the 91st Anniversary of The United Church of Canada, gathered at Trinity United Church in New Glasgow, NS, we gathered to say goodbye to and give thanks for the life of Nancy Fraser.  Nancy was a Diaconal Minister with over 50 years of service to her church and community. The Rev. Donna Tourneur said it best, when in her sermon, told of Nancy's Pioneer spirit that forged new territory for women in ministry--she took risks and followed her calling, which turns out, is a very United Church thing to do! Just as in 1925, at the Mutual Street Arena, when a new church with a bold new vision was born, Nancy's ministry and life were fine examples of courage, listening for God's voice, and serving both her church and her community with compassion.

It was an honour and a privilege, and although it is sad when we lose one of our faithful ministers, being at this funeral reminded me of two things: First, that we are privileged to serve among such fine, faithful, and dedicated colleagues, and second, that our church family goes well beyond the communities in which we gather each week.  I felt the Spirit's presence in the words of prayer offered, in scripture read, in reflections on Nancy's life and ministry, in the gentle keys of the piano played by her great-nephew, and in the power of the pipe organ and hymns sung.  There was nothing quite like the sight of the Women Alike Abreast a River Dragon Boat Team Honour Guard as the casket was gently taken out of the church...truly beautiful.  This United Church of ours is a wonderful thing, and for it's 91 years, for Nancy Fraser's ministry, and for the ministry that we share as colleagues and members of Christ's Body, I am grateful and in awe.

We Are Not Alone.  Thanks Be to God.