Echoes of Angels
by Jamison Brown
At the end of this month, after more than a decade of dedicated service, Betty, our church secretary, will step down. Betty has been much more than a secretary; she has been a constant source of support for our congregation, a quiet encourager, and a friend to all. We will deeply miss her, as her contributions have shaped our church in ways too numerous to count.
While cleaning her desk, Betty found an old memory stick tucked away—given to her by a beloved church member, Dee Angell, before she passed away. The stick contained writings Dee had created, telling heartfelt stories about members of our church. Dee seemed to have envisioned a project that would celebrate our congregation, though her vision remained unfinished.
When Betty discovered the memory stick, she thought of me. Knowing the friendship that Dee and I shared and my love for writing, she placed this treasure in my hands. The documents I discovered on the stick contained not just Dee’s words but also a part of her spirit, a testament to her love for this church and this community. Among them, she reflected: “In every pew sits a story waiting to be told—a story of love, resilience, and faith. Together, we are the threads that weave the fabric of our church.”
As I read Dee’s writings, I felt her voice once again filling the room—warm and wise, as though she were sitting across from me. “Make your writing more fluffy,” she would often say, her tone equal parts constructive and encouraging. Through these newfound stories, Dee reminded me of the power of memory and connection, reinforcing the ties that bind us as a church family.
As we say farewell to Betty, we carry forward the blessings she has given us: her unwavering kindness, her devotion to this church, and her ability to see the good in everyone. And as we cherish Dee’s words anew, we are reminded that angels, like Betty and Dee, reflect the enduring love of Jesus—the greatest gift of all—whose grace continues to shape and guide our lives, this Christmas and always.
“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.”
(James 1:17)
Comments(11)
Leslee says:
December 11, 2024 at 7:50 amWhat a wonderful message to send to us. Thank you Jim.
Jim says:
December 11, 2024 at 10:04 amWe will indeed always remember these angels, Leslee. Thank you.
Dick Higgins says:
December 11, 2024 at 10:54 amThank you Jim for another upliftin article.
Jim says:
December 11, 2024 at 8:28 pmMany thanks for reading this, Dick. And thanks for sticking with me on this writing journey. I am grateful for all your support along the way.
Chris Aiken Sickels says:
December 11, 2024 at 11:10 amIt brought tears to my eyes to read this article. One, about Betty leaving and the other about Dee. Those words remind me of her. Thanks, Jim for continuing your uplifting articles. Our Angel, Dee is smiling on you.
Jim says:
December 11, 2024 at 8:39 pmThanks for your very kind words, Chris. I choose to believe that Dee left us her words as a reminder of how truly blessed we are here at SCC.
Jon Hauerwas says:
December 11, 2024 at 12:05 pmJim, Your love for SCC and the people who comprise this community are so evident in your writing. You have lifted up two women whose faith serves as a reminder of God’s goodness and who inspire others to pursue the self-giving discipleship of Jesus Christ.
Jim says:
December 11, 2024 at 8:59 pmJon, Your thoughtful comment reminds me that when we share our stories, we not only honor those who have shaped our community but also encourage one another in our own journeys of faith and service. Thank you.
Dave Angell says:
December 15, 2024 at 5:11 pmThanks Jim. That captured her. We miss her much this Season.
D
Jim says:
December 16, 2024 at 1:17 amI am reminded of Dee often, Dave. We all miss her greatly.
Eleanor Graham says:
December 16, 2024 at 8:19 amThank you, Jim, for honoring two amazing women. Dee’s words have always been a treasured gift, and Betty’s daily acts of faith and kindness have truly been a cornerstone of our church. Her warmth and dedication leave a lasting legacy, and she will be deeply missed.