It Began on a Golf Course

He had survived the Battle of the Bulge. He sought shelter on a farm in a barn with his fellow infantrymen. As he stated, for a "reward" of valor, he and the others received care, respite, retraining, and boarded a ship headed to Japan.

He served there, and soon the war ended. He received two Purple Hearts and three Battle Stars.

He gave his life to public service. He served as Alderman for the City of Poughkeepsie and on the County Legislature.

I first met Forrest Cousens when I became his minister in 2016. A strong presence, a love for the Lord, and a gift of leadership and song.

He had a key to the church, a large and beautiful neo-Gothic sanctuary. Every Sunday he was the first to arrive. Knowing he was in the sanctuary meditating in silence, I would quietly enter. I would peek in, and he was there, same pew, with sunlight, filtered through the blue and red stained glass, touching his face. Sixty years a faithful member and elder of the church.

He was in the choir, and we'd sit next to one another. We'd talk and build a friendship. There was no one like him.

He told me his faith story from the bed in the hospital. He was awaiting treatment. I asked, "So how did faith begin for you?"

"It started on a golf course when I was 16 years old. My friends went ahead of me, and at a certain point I sat down to rest under a shade tree. I blurted out, 'God, wherever you send me, I'll go."

He told me what I shared with you, and much more. The life of faith in the life of a man who now lives in the eternal presence of God.

Faithful men and women of all types fill our pews, hospitals, and nursing homes. God is faithful from generation to generation.

As you serve God and others, I pray that you'd feel the connection we all have through Christ. And may that connection both anchor us to our storied past and help us as we enter every new chapter.

With gratitude,

Jason

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All Saints Liturgy

All Saints Sunday is the first Sunday of November. I have written 3 Prayers for All Saints, which is one of the most meaningful times of the year. I also have a page dedicated to All Saints Sunday Liturgy. May we continue to remember.

Liturgy Corner We continue in "Ordinary Time" with our feet anchored in the Gospel of Matthew. ​Go to the liturgy​

Sounds Odd!

Hineni is a small Hebrew word with a big answer: "Here I am."

Abraham said it. Moses said it at the burning bush. Isaiah said it, then added, "Send me." Sometimes a whole life of faith begins with a word like that, even under a shade tree.

A Benediction - an Old Irish Monastic

Be thou a bright flame before me,

a guiding star above me,

a smooth path beneath me.

And so may God uphold me, today and always. Amen.

All my best to you,

Rev. Jason B. Elder