In Memory of Dorothy Blodgett

Our dear sister, Dorothy Blodgett, went home to be with the Lord on Christmas Eve. In her later years she must have had the same thoughts as the Apostle Paul who writes in Philippians 1:21-24:

For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body.

Where Dorothy is today is “better by far” and soon we will join her there. However, “it was more necessary for us” for her to remain in the body during her later years.

Dorothy lived a full and significant life. She was raised in poverty, yet had the opportunity to travel the world with Omer. Often these trips were related to Omer’s business but many were ministry oriented. They labored together in the support of Moody Radio and Moody Bible Institute. Also, they were instrumental in the establishment of the City Mission here in Cleveland. And we all know about Dorothy’s on-going ministry to the residents of The Renaissance.

Many of us had the opportunity to meet Omer and Dorothy’s son, Bob, his wife Linda, and the grandchildren (Laura, Andrew and Mark). Spend a little time with these folks and you know the impact Dorothy had and the legacy she left behind.

But what about us? What can we learn and apply to our own lives through the example of Dorothy:

1.      We can all do the work of an evangelist. Dorothy was never afraid to speak of what Jesus did for her and was always working at introducing others to Him.

2.      We can all “speak the truth in love”. Dorothy always said what was on her mind (no deception) but people to whom she spoke knew they were loved.

3.      We can all be faithful in prayer. When we asked Dorothy to pray for something, we knew she was faithful in bringing it before the Lord.

4.      We can all be grateful people. Dorothy had her share of problems but was no whiner. She chose to focus on her blessings and was, therefore, content.

This and much, much more was the legacy of Dorothy Blodgett. We will miss her!

Upcoming January Events

We will have a “Bring-a-Friend” Sunday on January 22^nd. Pray about a person on your “Top Ten” list to pick up and bring to church later this month.

Audrey Abel (Spurlock’s granddaughter) will be dedicated to the Lord on Sunday, January 29^th. The whole Spurlock clan will be in town and in church with us on this day.