Written by Kathy Loftman of the Village Church
A long time ago and in a place far away, I had the opportunity to be a volunteer youth counselor at my church for the 8th and 9th graders. When I was in 8th and 9th grade, we had a very small, struggling youth group. Our 8th and 9th grade group 8 years later had about 100 persons that attended each week. We had an exciting and meaningful journey learning about and growing in God’s love. Although we all went our different ways after high school, this group has stayed together over the years. This is a very special group that shares a sense of common purpose of following Jesus, accepting differences of opinions and expressions, providing a safe space for conversation, providing honesty and loving support where deep conversations can be shared no matter how long we have been apart. Once a month on Sunday evenings many of us who can get together on Zoom and chat. In November, we learned that one of our “flock” has been diagnosed with stage four cancer and underwent surgery. Unfortunately, Stacy is now in hospice facing the last days of her life on this earth and is saying goodbye to her friends for now. We have been showering her with love through visits, emails, chats, cards, and many, many prayers. We look forward to that day when we will all be reunited. I will always treasure the special relationships that we share. I am so blessed to be a part of “us.”
So in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. [Romans 12:5]
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