A little "cross in my pocket" presented to all the members of Shepherd of the Hills with the words "A Special Blessing to a Special People" sums up our thoughts and feelings about our relationship with Shepherd of the Hills. Centering on the love of God through Jesus the Christ, Shepherd of the Hills truly was (and is) a special people.
There was a love in this household of faith, not only a forgiving and reconciling spirit drawing people together, but also creativity, vision, fun, daring that drew the people forward in faithfulness to God.
Fond remembrances include:
. the building and celebrative dedication of the Columbarium;
. high, holy days observed with meaningful symbolism and ritual through great music, reverent liturgical dance, all manner of art forms, beautiful flowers from homes, banners - all enhancing the reading and speaking of God's WORD, all celebrating the communion of faithful believers;
| . the fun of support
Mission "on the border" - Project Verdad
- through summer festivals (when Gil allowed
himself to be the victim of "water
dunks" for a small price); . joyous remembrance of our Scottish Presbyterian heritage as "clans" gathered for 25th anniversary feaste with madrigals, jester and carols (we were honored to be Lord and Ladye of the Manor, in the company of Dame Mildred Sweet); . observing the 200th birthday of this nation's Constitution with 1787 "look alike" men of wisdom reminding us of the fundamentals of our democracy; . working with a staff who personified diligence, patience, courage, and loyalty to God and His congregation, appreciation for "theologian in residence" Jane Hays; . sharing with members, whose families were far away, in Thanksgiving Day dinners, and around the table giving thanks to God and our early settlers using the symbolic "Five Grains of Corn"; |
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. Shepherd of the Hills and Green Mountain
Church, with Pastor Bill Baine, joined together in profoundly
inspirational Lenten communion service;
. vibrant participation of youth and children
in so many unique ways for our worship and special events;
. a congregation where individual members
truly understood their "ministerial" roles.
I most particularly remember Gil's own spirit
becoming enlivened as he ministered with the people of Shepherd
of the Hills through difficult family times of loss and stress,
through numerous celebration of joy and love in marriages, in
births and baptisms, through the strong commitment, steady
team-work, and gracious fellowship of all - together there was a
grand witnessing for God's "Special Blessing - by a Special
People."
Helen Murphy
Widow of Gil Murphy
Interim Pastor, 1986-1988