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“I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.” John 14:27 NLT
I’d only been here a few months when a guy came up to me while I was changing the letters on the sign on Parker Avenue. He introduced himself to me as Frank Eddie, the Jazzman– and handed me a poster from the 1960's advertising a circus being held at First Lutheran Church.
That first meeting led to us having Frank, and later with Maxine, come and play Gospel music for us on a few Sundays a year. Frank became a regular on Sunday mornings. He told me he’d lived next door all these years and never been invited to come and play at the church. He was happy to do it and we’ve learned to love having him and Maxine come and lift our souls!
Growing up in New York, Frank learned to play jazz, blues, and rock on the guitar. He played professionally in the big band circuit all over Florida. He played at the Kravis Center, at receptions and dinners for the stars, and even played with the famous cellist Yo-Yo Ma!
This past summer Frank received third degree burns on his legs in a barbeque grilling accident – a painful experience that took a few months to heal. He needed a ride, so I took him to get his wounds dressed a few times. I got to know him even better. I asked him if he’d like to join the church, and he said yes! We baptized Frank and welcomed him in worship on August 17th.
As Frank was finishing his burn treatments, he started to feel something in his belly that wasn’t right. After some tests and a biopsy, they found cancer in his pancreas and liver. The doctor recently told him that even with treatments, he likely has less than a year to live. It’s very serious. He’s heading to New York soon to stay with his brother and receive care closer to family.
I am going to miss Frank! And many of you, will, too. We have come to know him in the short time he’s been with us. He’s invited others in the neighborhood to come to church and hear him play – like an evangelist! He’s come to Friday Shabbat services, volunteered at church with some maintenance projects. And he’s kept an eye on the property for us. Thank you, Frank!
But what has struck me the most is his faith during all of this. Frank can be a bit rough around the edges, shall we say, but things are changing, his heart is new, and he’s hungry for the Lord! He’s grown and is still growing. He’s in a battle for his life, but he’s shown courage and determination to fight it. And at the same time, he’s really shown maturity and acceptance, knowing this cancer may take him from us soon. He’s getting his house in order.
We’ve talked about heaven. He’s ready for it. He’s been listening to Christian radio and TV constantly, reading his Bible, and praying and praying. Either way, he’s ready. Frank has become a living testimony for all of us – whether we live or we die – to put our trust in God. Sooner or later, each of us will face our maker, our God. In grace, and by faith, we hold on desperately to his promises – promises of forgiveness and eternal life.
Let’s keep Frank, and others close to you, in prayer, remembering our God is merciful, has come to save us through the redeeming blood of Jesus Christ. This Sunday after church, we will have a farewell gathering for Frank as he prepares to move to New York. We’re inviting his friends and the neighborhood to join us on Sunday. Perhaps some will come to worship – welcome them! Let’s give God thanks for bringing Frank to us and shining His light brightly through him to remind us of the grace and peace we all need and receive from God.
In Christ;
Pastor Dan
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
· There will be a Farewell Gathering for Frank Eddie after church today in the Fellowship Hall. Frank is facing pancreatic cancer and will soon be leaving Florida to stay with his brother, Walter, to begin treatments in New York. The neighborhood he’s lived in for thirty years is invited to come and share their support, memories, and goodbyes.
· The Centennial Committee will meet on September 7th and 28th after worship to continue planning for our 100th Anniversary! We are still looking for more volunteers willing to help with the Anniversary Sunday, April 12, 2026.
· Join the Church Pop Up Choir as we rehearse after worship on September 14th and sing on September 28th during worship (rehearse prior to worship).
· First Evangelical Church Council meets after worship on September 14th.
· Conniston Middle School is in need of the following items to be donated so they can hand them out to students in need. The need is ASAP but no exact deadline as they get dispersed throughout the school year.
Mesh Backpacks (clear or mesh fabric) - Glue Sticks
Notebooks with lined paper - Pencil Pouches
· Help feed a friend with our Food Drive this summer! Dry goods are being collected at the back of the church and given to the Palm Beach County Food Bank. Please, NO GLASS items. So far Jhadha delivered a total of 264 pounds of food this summer ,helping to provide over 231 nutritious meals to families, children, seniors and individuals in need throughout Palm Beach County. This mission project concludes today! Thank you, everyone!
