the glow of a candle

What is this power of a candle?

While the choir sang the anthem last Sunday, "In the seasons of our silence," people were invited to light a candle in memory of someone lost this year. It was our simple way to appropriate All Saints (Souls) Day. My back was turned to the memorial station. Was anyone taking advantage of the opportunity, I wondered?

All 18 candles were lit when I turned and looked after the choir was seated. We sang: " neither life nor death can part us..." and "for the silver thread that binds us to these lives we've touched and known."

"Tears," the pastor told me afterwards.

voting and valet

I walk into the church on a work day with a portable file case pulling down one arm and a lunch box in the other hand, a coffee carafe hitched somehow to a loose finger. Opening the door is always a challenge.

Today the door also served as a door to the local polling station. Someone opened it for me, as citizens came and went to vote. Nice valet-like service. Thanks.