Bishop Emerson Colaw touched countless lives, including mine, and will be deeply missed. At his memorial service last week, hundreds gathered to thank God for this man’s incredible life. Bishop Colaw was:
- a modern day “Barnabas,” an encourager of laity and clergy
- a beloved father, spouse, grandfather, brother, and cherished friend to many
- a “dapper” man who always wore a blazer
- a person who invested his life in building community
- a man whose quick wit and twinkle in his eye always lifted our spirits
- an innovative leader who embraced the future
- a person who loved sacrificially, following Christ’s example to serve others
- a generous man who invested his time and resources in Hyde Park Community United Methodist Church, a place where people find hope and healing in Jesus’ name.
How can I say thanks to God for Emerson? By seeking to love, humbly and without condition, and by reflecting the love of Christ through my investment of time and money in what God is doing through Hyde Park Community United Methodist Church.
This Sunday is Commitment Sunday. May our investments in building God’s kingdom in 2017 reflect both the love we have for Jesus, who is the Christ, and our desire to follow in the footsteps of the faithful who have gone before us.
May we, as Emerson did, embrace the future with hope as we seek to build God’s kingdom here on earth.
Peace,
Pastor Cathy Johns