One day late in my mother’s life, I found her crying. Her best friend had just died and she told me that one of the hardest things about getting older was seeing beloved family and friends pass. Now in my 70’s, I find this so true, brought home by the recent passing of three friends. Betty Wakeling, perhaps the sweetest lady I’ve ever known, and a tremendously gifted counselor, helped Nikki and I several times when we needed to talk with someone about life’s issues. Hilary Daggett, a member of Laguna Church, the first church I pastored, and later a member of Little Church, died in Arizona last week. And finally Laguna Beach artist Dawn Spurlock, who was very much loved by all of us at the Sawdust. Said one exhibitor upon hearing of her passing, “One of the nicest and utterly genuine persons I have known in my life. I loved her zest for life and her remarkable humor and laugh. She is reason to believe there is a God.”
Under a light sprinkle this morning, Michael Lawson is baptized the day after receiving Christ.
Photo by Greg Sowle; Alison Hecht partnered with me in the joy of that special moment.
Prayer Needs This Week… (thank you for taking a few minutes to pray over these issues)
- For the family and friends of Betty, Hilary and Dawn
- Debbie DeSimone – healing from bone-marrow cancer for our sweet sister.
- Richard Antioch, Sally’s dad and Francesca’s grandfather, to recovery from two strokes last week. Richard is the gentleman who has regularly attended the second service on Sunday in a wheelchair. A dear, dear man.
- Jeanette Cotinola undergoing hip replacement surgery this Friday at 1 pm.
- New Bible studies being facilitated by Monica Thompson, Greg Sowle, Chris Lins, Jeff Tacklind, Alison Hecht, Kathleen Swetz and Penny Hancock
- The continued study in the Book of Acts
- The Impact Junior High Surfing trip at San Onofre this Friday and Saturday.
- Leo Griffin – new start-up company
- Our neighbor, Mrs. Perez, is now in the early stages of Alzheimer’s.
- Worship Warrior’s starting back up, a wonderful group of 4thand 5th graders.
About People: “If people are valuable to God, they should be valuable to us. An encourager works hard at bringing out the best in others.” Jon Walker
Find Someone And…: “Encourage one another and build each other up.” 1 Thessalonians 5:11
Pastor Jay