With sadness I write to let you know that Judy Koester, long time parishioner and former choir member of St. Columba's died peacefully this afternoon.  As her health began to decline, she moved an assisted living facility Lockport, IL to be close to her daughter and extended family.

       Judy was a remarkable lady, gave much to the life and spirit of St. Columba's:  she sang in the choir, was one of the first members of our parish chapter of Daughters of the King, helped start the Guild of the Christ Child and made countless banners for children being baptized in the parish, and participated in ECW, Theology on Tap, and our weekly Bible study.  

       In the pictures of our parish story, forming that wonderful ribbon around the narthex, there is a picture of Judy in choir.  As several of us looked at it this evening, the All Saints' hymn began to echo in my mind:   "O blest communion, fellowship divine! We feebly struggle, they in glory shine; Yet all are one in Thee, for all are Thine. Alleluia, Alleluia!"

      Please join in giving thanks to God for the life and witness of Judy who now shines in glory of all the saints in light.