THE JOYS AND HEARTACHES OF MINISTRY

This has been quite a week so far. One of our lifelong members passed away suddenly at home Sunday evening and I have been scrambling trying to cover all of the bases to make sure that his memory is honored as appropriately as is possible. Garnet served as mayor of our little village for 32 years. He was instrumental in getting the water and sewage systems in place. He was a retired school teacher who gave every day everything that he had. At one time he served on the fire department and the emergency medical team. He led the scout troop that met at our church for over 3 decades and was an Eagle Scout himself. He still worked a part time job in a local manufacturing shop and was the local and church historian. He was a gentle man who was a gentleman. Or was he a gentleman who was a gentle man? Actually, both statements would be true, I guess. Carol and I believe that he was the first person to come over to the parsonage when the movers arrived and introduce himself and offer his service to us. This ex-Marine served his country in the military during the Korean War but served it as a civilian and Scout his entire life. Garnet Tripp will be sorely missed in this community and in our church family. Well done, good and faithful servant!