LOSS, CHANGE, AND GRACE
Rev. Laurie Andersen, Interim Pastor

"…whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is
lovely…… think about such things. Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.
Do not be anxious about anything, but give your burdens to God….. whatever you have
learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me that is good- put into practice. And the
God of peace be with you. Amen" Philippians 4:5-9

Words from Marilyn’s memorial. An important day in the life of Coastside Lutheran
Church: "October 25th, 2009": Reformation Sunday and the day of Celebration of the life of
Marilyn Bosshart. Coastside Lutheran Church was together and active beginning with the
8am service, until 6pm, when Marilyn’s daughter Alison, stood once more in the center of
the Labyrinth watched the sun get lower, and remembered all of you surrounding her as she
walked the path. She carried her mother's ashes in a lovely urn, just as her mother once carried
her in the womb, and then throughout life when she was most vulnerable. Marilyn
shared with many, that she wanted to walk the labyrinth lately, "but these old knees just
might not make it", she said, with good humor and complete acceptance, as was her nature.
And as Alison walked, carrying her mother, then you came in: the memory of you, the congregation
and friends of Marilyn, entering the labyrinth in a long and peaceful line, walking
the path in silence, after mother and daughter stood in the center, the heart of God. How
natural it is, that we are compelled to follow where another has walked a holy walk, to be
one another’s company and support when we are most grieved. This was a holy space where
tears could be free, and where there is complete "being there for the other"; a momentary
absence of the judgments and chains human beings too often hold onto. What a witness!
How absorbed everyone was with this moment. And how fitting in celebrating Marilyn's
life, that the reverent quiet, should be followed by the celebratory sounds of the bagpipes
and drums, as both moods mirrored her gentle nature and her quick-witted humor that often
broke in and surprised us! Surely Marilyn was smiling in the heavens, and will continue
cheering you on, to embrace all the moods of life, to accept yourself as she accepted you, in
good times and in challenging ones. Surely Marilyn would wish for you to continue to create
holy spaces of healing, listening, worshiping God, to receive Holy Communion, and to
have "true" communion with one another. So, at 6pm, Alison knelt in the center of the labyrinth,
on this beautiful brilliantly clear day, and a tear dropped from her, onto the earth
there, a part of her mother.

There will be two upcoming formal dedications in Marilyn's memory: A bench is being
dedicated by the City of Pacifica, along the beautiful coastal path, bearing her name in
brass- where she often walked when she was able, and rested on the benches which were
memorials to other Saints in Light. And Coastside Lutheran Church has blessed the ground
where a more formal dedication will take place, and a ribbon cut, as you create and erect a
memorial sign for the labyrinth. That will be a joyous day in the near future, when there
will be a sign of welcome to the public, to bring their spirit, their joy,
their sorrow, onto the beautiful grounds God has given to this church. To
welcome all, as Marilyn has always welcomed all. It doesn’t get much
better than that: from Pacifica……a bench…. to Half Moon Bay….. a
labyrinth… and in between, "Devil’s Slide". Life is full of symbolism.

The word "devil" actually in Greek ("dia-ballow"), means to "throw off the mark…" In a sense, to confuse
truth. When you sit on a bench on the coast and behold the beauty, or when you walk the labyrinth surrounded
by beauty, you will indeed be brought back to center, to truth, to clarity. The devil has no power over you,
when God provides such Holy places to come to yourself, and when you recognize them. "But darkness is not
dark to you O Lord; but darkness is as bright as day", Psalm 139 says….. Hence, yes, "Devil’s Slide" is indeed
beautiful. We cannot know the light, except to the extent we have known darkness. On both sides of the
slide, you will have a place of rest. That is God’s promise.

God bless you, Coastside Lutheran Church, as you walk God’s walk, grow through change and loss, and see
the rainbow of Grace,

Pastor Laurie Andersen