A Few Thoughts to Share

This last Thanksgiving time marked 49 years since Sandra, and I came to be a part of the West Douglas family. We have had a lot of ups and downs over those years, both personally and as a congregation. We have seen a lot of changes, a lot of folks who have come and gone for whatever reason. Many have passed on from this life. Some moved away to other towns, and some moved on to other congregations. We have seen this congregation go from many to few, but through it all, we have tried to remain committed to this family. During our time here, the most enjoyable part has been watching all the children grow up. For about 35 of those years, as some of you know, we conducted a children’s worship time. Towards the end of those years, Ryan and Amanda worked with us and eventually took over that ministry until there were no little ones left. Those little kids grew up on us somehow. One of those little ones was Alicia Sadler. We were thrilled when she was born. We enjoyed, so much, watching her grow into the young lady she had become. Sandra and I saw her as one of our own, like another grandchild though we didn’t see her as often. Ali and our granddaughter Abby were pretty much inseparable when they were here at the building together. We loved watching little Ali and Abby play together during potlucks and Wednesday night meals. You may never know how much joy I got when Ali brought her sermon notes up to me to look over, as did Abby. When she brought friends with her, she encouraged them to take notes also. Without a doubt, I believe I can speak for all of us here at the West Douglas Family, that we are deeply moved by her passing. I can also say, without a doubt, that everyone here at this congregation is praying for all of Ali’s family. May they all find some measure of comfort in our love. May they all find some measure of peace in the steadfast mercy and eternal love of our Savior, JESUS CHRIST.

Russell Ashby