My Friend Charles

Surfing facebook and dodging political news and commentary, I found this tribute to a good friend in ministry who passed away yesterday.

Before our one face-to-face meeting in Seattle more than a year ago, he and I conversed telephonically a few times, and were involved in internet sparring on one or two sides many more times. His wife noted this in the tribute linked above:

Charles was a devoted servant of the Lord. He dedicated his life to the liturgy and it’s beauty as expressed through music. He shared with eloquence all that music could do to elevate the spirit in worship and in life. He shared his wisdom with young and old, selflessly and elegantly.

It is always a grace to make music with fine artists. I have a small regret that did not happen in this life, knowing that more music-making likely beckons beyond.

I was glad when they said to me,
‘Let us go to the house of the Lord!’
Our feet are standing
within your gates, O Jerusalem. (Psalm 122:1-2, NRSV)

Go within the heavenly gates, my friend, with the welcome of the saints.