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.
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