Our thoughts and prayers are with you in these days of sorrow and transition. Whenever we were together Reverend Bowen's energetic hospitality was so present and appreciated. We particularly recall one Christmas event when our congregations were together at New Jerusalem. A young man was reading a scripture and began to stumble on the words. An awkward silence descended as the congregation struggled to know what to do. Suddenly Reverend Bowen's penetrating voice called out, "take your time, take your time, you've got all the time you need." The young man gathered himself and finished the reading. As he rejoined a congregation applause broke out in thankfulness for his courage and persistence. Reverend Bowen had created a moment of Grace that will forever live in my memory. God bless his memory as he enters his eternal rest.
Pastors Joan and John Beck