Wow, my dear congregation, what an amazing week this turned out to be. What a joy it was on Monday morning to watch couples who had waited so long to be legally married emerge from the Madison County Court House with an honest-to-goodness marriage license in hand.  And then to see the tears and smiles of all who gathered to be married, or bless the marriages. Prior to being there, I wasn't really able to imagine how this event would look or feel. I found myself swept up in an unexpected array of emotions. I have heard many of you say you never thought you would see this day arrive, at least in Alabama. Maybe it is a good lesson in faith, our theme for February.  

While I am writing about emotion, I want to share how deeply grateful and moved I was for the love and support I felt from you after my mother died and at her memorial service. I've learned a lot about grief over the last year and the biggest lesson is that your brain simply does not function at full capacity. Maybe not even at a fraction of its capacity.  So, in planning her memorial service, I thought of very few of the important details. Thank goodness for my congregation of amazingly thoughtful and loving people who remembered everything I forgot. Barbara Hitt, Care Chair, and Audrey Fox, Hospitality Chair, reached out and you all responded to make it a beautiful celebration of Mom's life and a warm and comforting reception with family and friends who attended. Our whole family wishes to express our deepest thanks for all the ways you showed up and were present with us in our time of loss.  

Life can certainly be a roller coaster of joy and sorrow, sadness and celebration. I'm glad we are together to share this ride. 

In love and hope,

Rev. Alice