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.
Thursday, October 16, 2008
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1 comment:
Thank you Chris. I too knew Isaiah as a friend through work together at SFTS. I was not able to attend the service in Corvallis, but that Sunday morning as we began our worship with a Hymn Sing, we turned to #350 in the Presby. Hymnal and sang Fill My Cup-- never as sweet as with Isaiah's leading-- but we sang with heart and mean every word. The Church Triumphant is rich and has a new song. The Church Militant has been blessed by Isaiah's friendship and ministry. Thanks for your work in helping us remember this coming all saint's day.
Christ's peace,
Linda Stewart-Kalen
Colonial Heights Presby. Church, Portland
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