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| Peggy Sue Barhydt February 3, 1958- December 28, 2021 February 03, 1958 - December 28, 2021 |
“Cloudy Days are the Best.”
That was the title of an essay which Peggy wrote when she was in eight- grade.
She had been the liturgist on that first Sunday I preached at Mishawaka Willow
Creek United Methodist Church. During my sermon I mentioned how I prefer
overcast skies with a bit of drizzle rather than those blindingly sunny days
which most other people seem to enjoy. After the service, Peggy hastened to get
my attention that she may report her eighth- grade essay to me. She told me that
she too enjoyed overcast and rain. She seemed happy to discover somebody else that
shared her extra-ordinary appreciation of such conditions.
I enjoyed meeting someone
who understood my atmospheric preferences.
And also, it was one Sunday
morning, just before, and as we approached the front of the sanctuary that I
asked Peggy, as I do to get to know people, what her favorite band or type of
music was. For a moment she hesitated as if thinking “What do I report to the
pastor?” And then, deciding to be straightforward, she said “Black Sabbath”. I
then reported to Peggy that my son and I have attended concerts of Black
Sabbath, Metalica, and other heavy metal groups. We later had full discussions
about when and where we had attended such concerts.
It was fun to make yet another connection with
her. Imagine, not only did we share the anomalous appreciation of overcast and
drizzle, but the fact that we churchy types enjoyed such “worldly” music as
Black Sabbath seemed to be a real hoot as we were on our way to the pulpit!
Peggy was always a
faithful liturgist. It was obvious that she had read and practiced the
Scriptural reading for the day and was prepared to speak those divine words
with precision and inspiring sincerity. Her presence in the pulpit was much
more than a mere “it’s my turn to read” attitude. Peggy brought forth a moment
of actual sacred significance from words on paper such that those words filled
the ears and hearts of those in the pews with comfort and encouragement.
To emphasize Peggy’s devotion and dependability
serving as liturgist, she often reported that she had just arrived from fishing
that she may be on time and fulfill her task. Imagine…breaking yourself away
from a hobby you love that you may serve God and church. Bless you, Peggy!
As much as I love sermon preparation and
delivery, I assert that it is the straightforward reading of God’s word from
the lips of laity that reach the hearts of the people most directly. Peggy
delivered the word of God faithfully! And by doing so she brought people closer
to God.
If God does indeed hand
out crowns and jewels, I am sure Peggy is very well adorned today!
All we at Mishawaka
Willow Creek will miss her.
And also, I must say,
Shirley did a wonderful job raising a self-confident, intelligent, faithful, and
inspiring daughter!
