All of us have had challenging times in our lives – this year for me has been among the most challenging. As you many of you know, I lost one of my closest friends this year and it was very sudden. As Debra learned of her illness and its gravity she leaned on the Church, our services, music, and our community. She also leaned on Rev. Amanda and Rev. Karen Byrne. When the end was near, Rev. Amanda was there not only for Debra but also for me and Debra’s family. Rev. Amanda, Rev. Sam, Care of Parish, Polly Gordon, Karen and Peter Byrne, Dennis Turner, Marian Drake, and so many others helped make the Celebration of Debra’s life a perfect event. I cannot begin to describe how being surrounded by the First Church community helped me to manage my pain and loss.
There are so many reasons that I give to First Church, but I never expected that one of those reasons would be that in my time of grief I would need and rely on the Church and its members to carry me through. I could also list the programs, events, and community engagements to encourage you to give – but I ask you instead to think about this; if you are ever in need of emotional and spiritual support, the one place you will be able to rely on is First Church. Please dig deep and give to First Church for our church will always be there for you.
-Karen Tramontano