What Herb Lundy’s Adventure Teaches Us About Faith
(Posted March 30 2020)
What does God say about writing?
“Thus says the Lord, the God of Israel, 'Write all the words which I have spoken to you in a book. '” Books, whether fiction or nonfiction, are meant to be read. As writers who share our faith through story, we want the words that flow from our fingertips to be God-inspired. ---- quotation from Jeremiah 30:2
This Sunday, our service and our “Second Hour” will focus on our theme for this Lent which is the expression of faith through the creative arts -- including writing.
Mark Holmes, who lives in Florida these days, will join us, first via video, and then through Zoom, to answer our questions. The centerpiece of this week’s focus will be his book, Herb Lundy and the Magic Milk Truck. (We have copies for purchase at the church. The money from the sales will go entirely into our Jelly Jar Generosity Lenten Fund.)
Church Services on Sunday
In-Person Service begins at 10 a.m. Facemasks are optional if you are fully vaccinated.
Watch us on Facebook: We livestream our services to Facebook. You may view them live or on demand at www.Facebook.com/DanburyChurch/videos.
Creating Herb Lundy’s World
Mark, who grew up in First Church, is not the only congregation member who was involved in the creation of this book. Ken Ballard helped as well. Mark and Ken have been longtime friends. It was Ken’s input as a former Danbury milk man for 40 that enabled Mark to bring to his pages the true life of Herb Lundy. The book presents a picture of the men we relied upon to deliver dairy products for our tables. Ken worked for both Borden and 
then Marcus for home delivery.
The book’s key character, Herb Lundy, is a Danburian through and through. I am certain that Mark’s discussion of the book will deal with the surprising, amazing mystical way that Herb is transported from his own time to several periods that provide him with lessons. All this happens in a period of Herb’s life when he feels unsure about many things, and is dealing with the memories of his WWII combat service.
Herb Lundy’s Lessons Are Ours to Learn
These are lessons about “the Fruit of the Spirit” that are the moments of grace that God wants us to incorporate into our lives. But I’m also sure that the discussion will lead to lots of moments to reminisce and recall those special people and things that have defined those memorable moments of living in and around Danbury.
From the first lines of the book, Herb Lundy’s life is interwoven with First Church. His spirituality calls upon a trust, a willingness to be open to the way that a visitor from a different realm reaches out to him to heal and transform his life.
The Best Lessons Are Learned at the Dinner Table
It is interesting how this book relates to what the Gospel brings us this Sunday. Time and again, when Jesus has something to teach us, he brings us around the dinner table. Food shared and brought to the table, conversation exchanged at a table, comfort and inclusion that comes at a table are all the things that filled the stories told about and by Jesus.
This Communion Sunday, we will gather at the table, and we will gather again at smaller tables in Annie Orr Hall to talk with Mark Holmes, and to remember the precious things that our experiences together have helped form the people we are spiritually, and in the things we hold dear. Please plan on joining us this Sunday to share with one another.