Dear People of God,

                 In the constancy of living and dying, a rhythm of life emerges. With each life we are reminded of the great joy and miracle of new life, and with each death, we are likewise reminded that a greater joy and miracle of eternal life— continue beyond the grave. This past Wednesday, October 8th, the Hazelwood-Holcombe family witnessed these events only hours apart. About 4:00pm in NYC,  a hospital admission began that culminated in a 9:55pm easy delivery of our  third grandson, and fifth grandchild, Anderson Scott Holcombe. Then about 4:45pm, La Nora’s father, Harold Hazelwood stepped into eternity and was surely welcomed into the arms of his Savior, and gone to meet his beloved wife, Leon, and other saints who have gone before. As people of faith we are called to thank  God for both. So often we are really quick to thank and bless the Lord when he gives– but  there is also the challenge to thank and bless the Lord even when he takes away. At the end of Job chapter 1 we read :

 (Job)  fell to the ground in worship and said:  "Naked I came from my mother's womb, and naked I will depart. The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away; may the name of the LORD be praised."Job 1:21 NIV                                 

Earth is not our home. Heaven is our home. We are just passing through this life in a quest for faith, hope and love. We say goodbye to Harold, and we welcome Anderson. The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away, may the name of the Lord be praised.  A special word of thanks to each member of our St. Stephen’s family who ventured to First missionary Baptist Church in Kenansville, FL , to be with us at this holy time.

        In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in memory of Harold to:

Hospice of the Comforter, 480 W. Central Parkway, Altamonte Springs, FL 32714

-faithfully, Fr. Scott+

Helllloooo Lakeland!!

My dear friends and family,

                 I am just writing to say hello and I miss you all! I am looking forward to coming for a visit October 17-23!  I decided that I really needed to come and be with family for a while. 

Last night I attended the institution of our new Dean President The Very Rev. Dr. Justyn Terry.  I am so thankful that such a Godly man is leading our seminary.  My classes are beginning to pick up pace and I am finally beginning to get into a routine.  I look back at my spiritual life four weeks ago when I arrived and cannot believe the changes that have already happened.  My knowledge is expanding in both Scripture and liturgics.  I can’t choose just one favorite class, but my two favorite classes are Spiritual Formation and Old Testament.  In spiritual formation, we are looking at different ways to grow spiritually and in Old Testament we just finished our study of the Pentateuch (first five books of the Bible aka Torah).  We are beginning Joshua next Thursday.  It has been a very interesting class so far.

My new family here at Trinity has been a great help through this big transition.  I have made so many good friends and have already adopted one of the middler (second year) couples as my family.  It has been such a blessing to have such a wonderful support system.  I also wanted to thank you all for your cards and emails.  It always brightens my day when I get home and find mail from FL.   Thank you for your continued prayers; know also that you are in my prayers!  Can’t wait to see you all in two weeks!

Love,

Becky ><>

 

 

 

 

 

Anderson Scott Holcombe grandchild #5, Grandson # 3

Proud parents

Matt and Alicia Holcombe

Born Wednesday, October 8th at 9:55pm—6# 13oz

Born 6 hours after arriving at the hospital and after only 3 “pushes”- HOORAH!

 

 

 

 

also welcome back all the Holcombe crew (except for Alicia and Anderson– recuperating in NYC with Alicia’s mom) HapWe py Birthday also to David Holcombe, whose 30th birthday is today!