Those who participated in Mass last weekend know that the homily included reading the obituary of Gerald Grummer, and commenting on it, especially the paragraph that spoke of his involvement in the ministries and activities of Immaculate Conception Church in North Little Rock where he was a member for many years. I was blessed to know him and witness his service to his parish community in the years I was associate pastor there (from 1988-1993). I feel sure his service there continued for many years after I left Immaculate Conception Parish.
Today I want to bring up a couple from our parish who were parishioners at that same church in North Little Rock when I was there over 30 years ago, Russ and Sheila Harrison, our VIPs for the month of August.
Though my memory from those many years ago is not great, I do recall knowing the Harrisons in that large parish, in part because their daughter Christy and their son Randy were school aged and involved in various ways, in imitation of, along with encouragement from Russ and Sheila, who were active in more than a few areas of ministry. I was, therefore, not surprised when I reunited with them at Sacred Heart Church and found out they were active in our parish and in the community of Hot Springs Village as well. They have both taken on leadership roles and participated in minitries and activities in the 21 years they have been living in the Village and as parishioners here.
Russ has served as president of our Men's Club, as Grand Knight and Faithful Navigator of our Knights of Columbus council and assembly. He has taken on various roles in each of these two men's groups and now serves as Secretary of the Men's Club. He has been an altar server here since he moved here (over 20 years) and has been our "Safe Environment" coordinator since Archbishop Sartain was our Bishop. He serves on our Columbarium committee, has been in charge of the effort to put our large creche figures outside for Christmas, the putting out of American flags around our parish campus on patriotic holidays and seeing, through our Knights of Columbus, that American flags are put out and replaced at all of our Village golf courses.
Sheila has been supportive of Russ in all of his activities AND has been a "busy bee" herself in the following areas (both in the Parish and in the community of Hot Springs Village and beyond).
Sheila served as president of Ladies of the Sacred Heart in 2010 and is currently co-captain of St Teresa of Calcutta Guild. She has been a lector for over 20 years, serves on the Family Assistance Committee and has served as a volunteer at Mt. Pine Elementary for 15 years . She has been a part of the tutoring program there. Sheila was also the president of the Lady Duffers Golf League 2006-2007 and has been a volunteer with the Oaklawn Race Track Chaplaincy for 17 years.
Russ and Sheila have served together on the Food Basket Committee for 10 years, which includes the Angel Tree. They are both Eucharistic Adorers. Russ and Sheila are wonderful examples of being continuing servants of the lord, not retiring from ministry as they have gotten older, but finding new and familiar ways to serve the Lord and their parish community and beyond that to other non-parishioners who benefit from their time, talents and treasure. Please join them (if you aren't already) in serving the Lord and others! The ultimate reward is heavenly!!
Today I want to bring up a couple from our parish who were parishioners at that same church in North Little Rock when I was there over 30 years ago, Russ and Sheila Harrison, our VIPs for the month of August.
Though my memory from those many years ago is not great, I do recall knowing the Harrisons in that large parish, in part because their daughter Christy and their son Randy were school aged and involved in various ways, in imitation of, along with encouragement from Russ and Sheila, who were active in more than a few areas of ministry. I was, therefore, not surprised when I reunited with them at Sacred Heart Church and found out they were active in our parish and in the community of Hot Springs Village as well. They have both taken on leadership roles and participated in minitries and activities in the 21 years they have been living in the Village and as parishioners here.
Russ has served as president of our Men's Club, as Grand Knight and Faithful Navigator of our Knights of Columbus council and assembly. He has taken on various roles in each of these two men's groups and now serves as Secretary of the Men's Club. He has been an altar server here since he moved here (over 20 years) and has been our "Safe Environment" coordinator since Archbishop Sartain was our Bishop. He serves on our Columbarium committee, has been in charge of the effort to put our large creche figures outside for Christmas, the putting out of American flags around our parish campus on patriotic holidays and seeing, through our Knights of Columbus, that American flags are put out and replaced at all of our Village golf courses.
Sheila has been supportive of Russ in all of his activities AND has been a "busy bee" herself in the following areas (both in the Parish and in the community of Hot Springs Village and beyond).
Sheila served as president of Ladies of the Sacred Heart in 2010 and is currently co-captain of St Teresa of Calcutta Guild. She has been a lector for over 20 years, serves on the Family Assistance Committee and has served as a volunteer at Mt. Pine Elementary for 15 years . She has been a part of the tutoring program there. Sheila was also the president of the Lady Duffers Golf League 2006-2007 and has been a volunteer with the Oaklawn Race Track Chaplaincy for 17 years.
Russ and Sheila have served together on the Food Basket Committee for 10 years, which includes the Angel Tree. They are both Eucharistic Adorers. Russ and Sheila are wonderful examples of being continuing servants of the lord, not retiring from ministry as they have gotten older, but finding new and familiar ways to serve the Lord and their parish community and beyond that to other non-parishioners who benefit from their time, talents and treasure. Please join them (if you aren't already) in serving the Lord and others! The ultimate reward is heavenly!!