|
September 23rd.
2009
Mrs. LATTA
“Fr Prior – why won’t God let me die?” “Because,” I said, “The Lord has
need of you and I certainly know I do!” That exchange happened over ten
years ago while I was visiting Barb in the hospital when she was very
sick.
Barb then went on to unselfishly and with great dedication share her
gifts for ministry as the “queen of the Altar Guild.” During her tenure
she organized and, with her own loving but direct way, led the Altar
Guild. She took responsibility for training, scheduling, and purchasing
all the necessary worship supplies. Barb was also instrumental in the
design and layout of our sacristy. I often with great delight point out
these accomplishments as a, “See I told you God has need of you “(insert
smart aleck smile).
Mrs. Latta’s “fame” goes far beyond the doors of the Episcopal Church of
the Resurrection. Leaders from across the Church are quite familiar with
Mrs. Latta. Not because she has been a phenomenal leader of our Altar
Guild team, although she merits that. The larger Church knows Mrs. Latta
because on countless occasions across the country I have said. “Well, I
am not certain if this is relevant to Mrs. Latta.” Or I have suggested,
“You know, Mrs. Latta would probably question if this is the best use of
our limited funds.” You see Barb has been my long standing consistent
way of helping the larger Church have some perspective from a parishes
point of view. And I am here to tell you it has worked. I have been
witness on more than one occasion to others evoking Mrs. Latta for the
same reason (insert big smile here).
If you have been around ECOR you also know that on more than a few
occasions Mrs. Latta has been my “straight man.” In fact, one time I was
confronted about potentially hurting Barb’s feelings. To this I
responded, “I appreciate your concern but Barb and I share lots of
harmless jabs at each other.” In fact this is one of the things I love
most about her. We have spent almost 15 years teasing, kidding, and
picking on each other. All of which is done in love and respect.
Barb is a true blessing in my life. We have shared much in our journey
together. Some of my favorite times with her have been before the
Wednesday morning worship. We joke, we chat, we have heart-to-heart
talks that I deeply cherish. Barb has most certainly also been a
blessing in the life of our faith community. At the recent Altar Guild
meeting she announced that she would be stepping down from leading the
Altar Guild. With this said, and with endless gratitude for her service,
while the Lord may not have need of her in that ministry there is no
question in my mind that in her ministry and friendship with me I
unquestionably still have need for her!
Blessings,
The Rev. Brian N. Prior, Rector
Click to view archived 'Messages'
|
