Remembering a Paris Friend

I learned today that Patricia LaPlante-Collins died. She developed Parissoirée which brought together ex-patriates on Sunday evenings for cocktails, dinner, and a presentation by a musician, artist, author, etc. I made two presentations at the soirée. My last was last March dealing with my research project on ex-patriates. My Sunday evenings in Paris were always at the soirée.

I interviewed Patricia three times for The Seminary Explores radio program. Sh e was always open to my requests for the interviews.

I am planning my trip to Paris for the spring and will have dinner and a drink at Café St. Victor

Phases

Today marks another phase for me and some friends. Our colleague and friend Brooks Schramm, professor of Old Testament at United Lutheran Seminary (formerly faculty of Lutheran Theological Seminary at Gettysburg) departed for California. After three and a half years, he took a call at in Santa Barbara to join his spouse, Dr. Kirsi Stjerna, professor of Reformation History, on the faculty of Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary (part of California Lutheran University). She was on the faculty at Gettysburg. I have known Brooks since his coming to Gettysburg in 1994. A scholar, pastor, and teacher, we were not  only colleagues but good friends. His presence will be missed by students and colleagues. I took he and Kirsi to Dulles Airport this afternoon. Eric Crump was also along. He has known Brooks for about 40 years. Needless to say, I already feel the void.

To be honest, I find endings to be difficult. I know my friendship with Brooks and Kirsi will continue but it will certainly take on a different dimension.  As I grow older endings become too present.

Christmastide 2018

I spent Christmas in New York as usual. Christmas in New York is a unique event. I think the important piece for me is being with family. The family is a lot smaller than when I was growing up in Brooklyn but the feeling is still there. In addition to family, it is always good to assist at the Christmas Eve liturgy at Epiphany Lutheran Church in Brooklyn. It has been a part of my life for a very long time. It is always good to see old friends.

The sad part of the holiday was the death of  James Echols. He was a colleague. He certainly made history. He was the first African American to be Dean at our Philadelphia Seminary and the first African American to be president of our seminary at Chicago. A fine scholar (Church History), pastor, teacher, administrator. A fine churchman.

On the New Year, I received the news of the death of Thelma Williams. She was choir director at Advent Lutheran Church where I served as pastor from 1975 to 1987. She was a fine harpist and the use of her instrument at the Christmas Eve liturgy made a memorable time for all. We remained friends after leaving Advent. She was also present when I received the Paulssen-Hale Chair at Gettysburg Seminary. She will be missed. Last night I found a tape from one of  the choir concerts at Advent where Thelma is singing, "Jesus is the way" with the choir. I had to play it several  times. May she rest in peace. Pastor Killings asked whether I was open to helping with  the funeral liturgy. I was honored to be asked and will participate. I  attended and participated in the funeral.

At the repast at Advent, I was able to see some of my former parishioners. It brought back good memories of my years in that congregation.