The ELM Board of Directors met over the weekend in Chicago for their semi-annual retreat. This meeting occurred the same weekend as Paul Egertson’s memorial service in Thousand Oaks, CA. Paul was serving on the ELM board at the time of his death.
The meeting began with a time of remembrance and celebration of Paul’s life. ELM board member, Vance Blackfox, a member of the Cherokee nation, led a simple service of story-sharing. Members placed a bit of tobacco in a small bowl and lit a candle as they shared a story or memory about Paul. Members also lifted up prayers for Paul’s wife, Shirley, and their children, especially Greg, who has been closely involved with ELM since its formation. Vance later wrapped the tobacco in a small prayer cloth and tied it to a cedar tree near our meeting place.
On Sunday, the board worshiped at St. Luke’s Lutheran Church in Chicago. Rev. Erik Christensen, ELM’s co-chair gave a sermon about Paul’s life and work. The sermon is part of the way the ELM Board of Directors honored Paul’s life over the weekend. Paul’s life continues through ELM and all those whose lives he touched.
Just very sad to hear of the passing of Paul Egertson. One of the best allies GLBT people ever had. He worked harder for the cause than many of those he was befriending. I met Him and Shirley and their son Greg at a Lutherans Concerned Assembly many years ago and will always remember Paul and his family as one of the finest I’ve ever met. I wish I could find Greg’s address in order to send my condolences to him and his mother. If anyone can get me this informatioin, I would appreciate it very much. We lost a wonderful friend and supporter when Paul left us on Jan 5th.