Naomi’s Feast

Now she who is a widow indeed and who has been left alone, has fixed her hope on God and continues in entreaties and prayers night and day. 1 Timothy 5:5

Tonight our Deacon Body will honor a very special group of ladies in our church.  Naomi’s Feast

is our annual event to honor and thank the widows of our church.  We have so much to be grateful for to these ladies.  The church would certainly be impaired without the ministries they provide.  It is always a wonderful time.  

I have wondered as I considered this event if some who have lost their husbands don’t sometimes wish people would not label them as “widows”.  The word does speak of their social position but I’m not sure if it should reflect anything more than that.  A “widow” is someone who has lost their spouse.  In Biblical times it certainly meant someone who had lost their livelihood and been left dependent on their family, the church or the community.  Today however, we find many who have lost their spouse able to provide for themselves although not in the way they could before the loss.

No, the widows we honor are not poor, dependent, helpless women who are burdens to anyone!  They are faithful servants, teachers, mentors and contributors to the gospel ministry.  They are prayer warriors and compassionate caregivers.  They are choir members and children’s workers.  They are examples of courage and faith to all who know them.  The individual who casts an occasional large donation out of their abundance toward the church’s ministry will never surpass the faithful weekly contributions of these ladies over a lifetime.

This is not a “pity party” for widows...
this is a celebration of what they mean to our church and the kingdom!

The average church member cannot possibly understand what a great blessing these ladies are to a pastor.  I see them in ministries all over the church serving, sharing, loving and caring.  Then I see them at the homes of others who are in need of someone to listen and help carry their burdens.  They are wonderful!

Katherine Russ – February 11, 1926 - September 25, 2011

This year will be a difficult time for us as we gather without one of our church’s pillars.  Katherine Russ passed away Sunday at Weatherford Health Care.  It was Katherine’s request that her body be donated to science.  The family is working out a date to have a memorial service in her honor.  Katherine was a member of NSBC for forty years.  She was an outstanding Bible study leader and caretaker of the problems of many.  She studied the Word of God as faithfully at 85 as she did at any time in her life seeking more knowledge of Christ. 

Katherine is the evidence of what a widow means to NSBC.  She was active in Women’s Ministry, sung in the Foundation Singers, taught and ministered to a Bible Study class and was present in worship every Sunday and Wednesday.  Her spirit was overflowing with love for her Savior and she was a bold witness for Christ.  She never missed an opportunity to invite someone to share with her in worship at North Side.  So much more could be mentioned about her love, compassion, service and character.  What an incredible woman who will be greatly missed.

So, tonight is a time to rightly honor these lovely and precious ladies, old and young, who are not a burden but a blessing.  I can’t wait to see them!

Honor widows who are widows indeed; 1 Timothy 5:3

Our loving and merciful God,
Thank you for the wonderful expressions of Your love and presence through those who have suffered loss and courageously continued in service and ministry.  So many have blessed my life and the lives of my brothers and sisters in Christ.  May you bless them with a recognition that they are precious to us as a church.  In Jesus’ name, Amen