Beyond the Pulpit 11.15.26
Greetings Crozet UMC Church Family,
Some weeks remind us just how much life can hold. This has been one of those weeks for me; a week filled with celebration, meaningful connections, gratitude, and profound sadness. It has been a reminder that as people of faith, we often find ourselves holding joy and grief together, trusting that God is present in both.
On Monday and Tuesday, I had the joy of attending the Virginia Conference Clergywomen’s Retreat in Blackstone, VA. This year, we celebrated the 70th anniversary of full clergy rights for women in The United Methodist Church! More than 140 United Methodist clergywomen from across Virginia gathered to celebrate this important milestone and the women who paved the way for those of us serving today. We experienced inspiring preaching from both our current and former female bishops, excellent teaching and workshops, and some much-needed time to relax around the firepits, share stories, laugh, and encourage one another in ministry. I left feeling grateful for the faithful women who have gone before us, those serving alongside us, and the opportunities we have to continue answering God’s call. (See the photo below!)
At the same time, this week has brought two significant opportunities to remember and celebrate the lives of two incredible men who have shaped my own faith journey and ministry.
On Friday, I traveled to Richmond to preside at the memorial service for the Reverend Jim Cooke, who retired from Aldersgate United Methodist Church in Charlottesville in 1995. What made this service especially meaningful to me was that Jim was the pastor who confirmed me as a full member of The United Methodist Church back in 1986 at West Point UMC, where I grew up. To be invited to preside at his memorial service, nearly 40 years after he played such an important role in my own faith journey, was a humbling and deeply meaningful full-circle moment. I am grateful for the opportunity to honor his life and ministry.
And today, we gather to celebrate the life and ministry of our dear Doug Gaskell. I am both heartbroken by his sudden passing and profoundly grateful for the many ways he loved and served this congregation. Pastor Sarah will join me as we remember a man whose faith, leadership, generosity, and unmistakable sense of humor have left an extraordinary mark on Crozet UMC. I hope you will join us at 3:00 p.m. as we grieve together, give thanks for Doug’s life, and support Maryalice and their family. In keeping with Doug’s trademark style, you are invited to wear bright colors and/or Hawaiian shirts as we celebrate his life! A reception, graciously prepared by our United Women in Faith and friends, will follow the service in the Fellowship Hall.
As we gather today, I encourage you to continue surrounding Maryalice with your prayers, care, and cards in the days and weeks ahead. The love and support of this church family will mean so much as she navigates life without her beloved Doug.
What a week it has been. We have celebrated the doors opened for women in ministry, given thanks for the pastors and mentors who helped shape our faith, and grieved the loss of someone who’s faithful service helped shape the life of our congregation. Through it all, I am reminded that every season of life brings opportunities to love, serve, encourage, and give thanks.
I hope to see you this morning for worship and again at 3:00 p.m. as we celebrate Doug’s life together. As a reminder there will be no 10AM Grow Groups this morning, but there will be breakfast snacks and the opportunity to fellowship together between the services.
Grace and peace,
Pastor Christy
