St John's Hudson, NY

Yesterday afternoon, I attended the closing of a congregation. After 140 years of service and witness in the community, the congregation was no longer able to sustain the building and ministry. As we sang the closing hymn, "Lift High the Cross", the acolyte and sexton with military precision began extinguishing the altar candles.

When he extinguished the last candle, he stood and bowed before the altar. When he turned to walk down the aisle, tears streamed down his face. At that moment, I too began weeping, along with several others who sat nearby.

When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who had come along with her also weeping, he was deeply moved in spirit and troubled. "Where have you laid him?" he asked. "Come and see, Lord," they replied.

Jesus wept. Then the Jews said "See how he loved him!" But some of them said "Could not he who opened the blind man ave kept this man from dying?"

John 11:33-35

Holy God, for 140 years St John's in Hudson, NY proclaimed your mercy and love to their community and world. During this time of grieving and questioning, surround all the members with your loving peace that they will trust that you are with them always. From this sorrow of the congregation closing, bring forth a new and vibrant ministry to care for the people of Hudson, NY just as you created the St Paul's Center in Rensselaer. In Jesus name, Amen.