And When My Race Is O'er

The story is told about Winston Churchill, who was waiting on a platform outdoors to make a political speech. Crowds had packed the streets to hear him, and the chairwoman of the proceedings leaned over to him and said, "Doesn't it thrill you, Mr. Churchill, to see all those people out there who came just to see you?"
Churchill replied, "It is quite flattering, but whenever I feel this way, I always remember that if, instead of making a political speech I was being hanged, the crowd would be twice as big."

Humility is a wonderful virtue, and particularly at this time of year, for politicians. As we cast our votes, and encourage our fellow church members to cast theirs, I hope that humility is a watchword for all. I believe one reason that churches should never endorse individual candidates from the pulpit is that no person, not even Churchill, was or is immune to corruption. I am amazed at the scrutiny that our politicians have to endure. In one sense, that is good, because anyone could succumb to the kind of temptations Sen. Ted Stevens allegedly indulged. Yet in another sense, who would put themselves and their families through all that?

Let us all be humble and kind next week in victory, thankful for those who chose to run and lost, loyal and supportive of those opponents who prevailed, and prayerful that the winners will be righteous and respectful of all their constituents.

Remembering Isaiah Jones

My Friend Isaiah Jones

How many people could share that sentiment? How many of us felt the loss of that unique harmony stilled when we heard of the death of The Rev. Dr. Isaiah Jones on September 21, after 68 short but full years?

I met Isaiah during his 14 year call as campus minister to Oregon State University, where he directed the Inner Strength Gospel Choir. But I got to know him after he left Cascades Presbytery, and we served together on the Alumni Council of San Francisco Theological Seminary. When we would plan worship when Isaiah was on the Council, our first question was always, will there be a piano in the room? Isaiah's music added heart to worship and drew people together as those resonant strains of vibrant hymns are wont to do.

Hearing him offer "Fill My Cup," you knew you could never get it right in just the same way, yet you wanted to sing it all the time nonetheless.

I think Isaiah's music was just one component of a spirit that genuinely connected with people. His gravelly voice and warm smile were full of hospitality and joy. Young people responded to his vision and leadership. When he called you "brother," it was not just a convention or pleasantry; it was a genuine expression of that connection in the human family. I like to think ministry and the Church added a new dimension to God's call in his life that his glorious music alone could not fulfill.

His body may have given out, but his spirit and those connections ring on. All our cups are fuller because of the life of The Rev. Isaiah Jones.

I am new at this blogging thing, but it seemed like Isaiah's passing warranted notice and welcomed comment from others touched by his life and music.

A memorial will be held in Corvallis at First Presbyterian on Sunday, October 19, at 3 pm. More info is available at pcusa.org and on our Presbytery's website. We invite your responses and remembrances in this Moderator's blog spot.