Sunday 13 Jan-08. 2nd of Epiphany / Baptism of Christ

It is also the beginning of the Week for Christian Unity in our country of Scotland. On Tuesday evening 8th January I was chatting to a friend, Alex Philip who is our People's Warden and Fabric Convener at church, as well as a Chorister in our church choir. By the next morning he had died suddenly, of an aneurism behind his heart. I was completely shocked and distressed. Folk at church, particularly women friends, talked of his attentiveness to their well-being, seeing them home if needs be, even repairing their cars; always the Christian gentleman. I found him invaluable as a close friend on the Vestry. He was practical and hands-on; always willing to go the extra mile. He was the main carer of his wheelchair bound wife Thea. I have talked to his wife, his son Lorne, and one of his two daughters, Alison, who was in church today although she lives down on the south-west coast in Ayr. Death is part of life, yet it is difficult to cope with when it is someone close to you. The Family Eucharist today was a profound affair - distressing yet with laughter too. It was funny not to see him as Crucifer for the Choir. I will miss his deep baritone voice singinging Choral Evensong, and his deep voice as a reader at the lectern.
How does one measure such a man's stature and life? I have thought of it, and it is not possible to do this as his legacies are profound. He certainly affected and touched so many of us as a Christian gentleman. I will miss his jokes and merry quips. Thank you Alex - and thank you God.
May Alex rest in peace and rise in Glory and may perpetual light shine on him. Yes, thanks be to God. The Baptism of Christ today represents a new beginning in life for all of us.