When I began writing weekly letters to the church, (E-pistles), during the pandemic, I included a column called “Pastor’s Heart” as a way to share feelings. Today, my heart is sad. And grateful. (Those two feelings are so often intertwined.) Sunday, we welcomed Lynda Crowder back, following a long health battle. It was a joy to see and hear her, as I worshipped with you via livestream. Later in the day, however, Lynda let Eric know that she simply cannot do it anymore. She no longer has the strength to do what she loves. Lynda is retiring.
Lynda loved making music and she is an extraordinary musician. She played both the piano and the organ, (until she was no longer able to walk back and forth between the two, after Covid). She played at Southminster prior to coming to Westminster in 2017. The list of churches she served, children she helped, pieces she played, and achievements she earned is quite impressive.
I first met Dr. Crowder when my children were in the WINGS program at Phelps; I now have friends across the country who are grateful for how she helped their families.
Lynda’s love for the church and her love for Christ was evident in her music! It’s one thing to be able to be an accomplished accompanist---it is another to be able to make music with your soul because you love the Lord, and you love the hymns! Lynda was both. And more. When I think of Lynda, I think of Sheldon Silverstein’s book, The Giving Tree. Lynda gave us so much of herself. She gave so much as an educator. She gave so much as a church musician. She still, daily, gives so much as a wife, mother, and grandmother. Dr. Lynda Crowder is an amazing human, and I am grateful to know her.
Lynda expressed to me her gratitude for all of you, for the choir, for Marga, and especially for Eric. She says her years here brought her so much joy and meaning. She does not want to step down, but she simply no longer has the strength. This makes me teary. As time marches on, we do as much as we are able, for as long as we are able. Like Lynda did.
Lynda’s grandson Dylan, along with his family, Kenzie and Emersyn, (who attends WLT), are part of our Westminster family. (And Kenzie is pregnant with another baby girl.) So, Lynda’s legacy of love is still alive at Westminster.
Lynda, we love you and we will miss you. As Paul said in Philippians 1:3, we will “give thanks for every remembrance of you”.
To each person reading this—may you feel how important you are to our Westminster family.
With much love,
Pastor Micki
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