A Message from Bob Henderson                              Friday, June 17, 2016
 
Dear friends,
 
I loved Mary Harril. Mary loved God, loved her family and loved her church. When I came to her church, she served as librarian, circle chairwoman, choir member, and principal congregational spokesperson to the new minister, a role of which I was previously unaware. Mary was gracious to me in my youthful years, a gift for which I will always be grateful, but she did not mince words when she disagreed.

One time, when the denomination was engaging in yet another chapter of its argument on sexuality, I ran into Mary in the Sanctuary. It was Saturday night about 7:30. I had finished up a wedding an hour or so earlier and had returned to find my favorite binder. I thought I saw movement in the Narthex. I looked again and there was Mary. 
 
"Can I help you with something?" I asked.
"No." she said hurriedly. "No, don't bother with me. I'm leaving."
"Do you need something?"

"I'm looking for a bulletin for tomorrow," she said.
"Do you mind my asking 'Why?'"

"Because I'm not coming tomorrow!" she said. "I know what you're going to say. I'm not going to like it. And I want to like you. So I'm not coming."
 

To her credit, she did actually come. And, after worship, she approached me to say she was glad she came, that I did not actually say what she thought I would say, and regardless, she should be able to worship God even if she disagreed with the minister. So she came.

As I said, I loved Mary Harril. She taught me a lot.

With the events of this week in Orlando and Charleston, some might be tempted to think they know what's going to be said in church. If you happen to be one of them, I invite you to be like Mary and come anyway. You might be surprised. I'd encourage you to make a special effort to be on time this week, as each of the services will begin with special music.

You can read this passage in preparation.  
 
See you on Sunday,
 
 
Bob Henderson, senior minister

Worship Services this Sunday
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Paused for summer
Bob Henderson preaching 
Bob Henderson preaching 
Bob Henderson by video 
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