When Death is Sudden, Christ is Timeless

We were together in community for the Vigil and Funeral Eucharist of Gwen Sayler Friday and Saturday. In Dubuque two communities centered for service in Christ were together at Wartburg Seminary, difficult to comprehend, but wonderful to experience.  I have been a member of the Lutheran Deaconess Conference (Lutheran Diaconal Association) for almost 60 years (with Gwen for almost 50 of those). I became a faculty member at Wartburg 40 years ago (Gwen was a faculty member for almost 30). Wartburg Dean of the Chapel led worship; deaconesses read lessons and preached. So many others shared their words and gifts. Graduates from decades conversed, processed, embraced.  Together, together, we said “Hello” again in coming to say “Good-bye.” Even when death is sudden and shocking, new life in Christ is timeless and the body of Christ gathered is strong beyond words.