Thursday, December 28, 2006
Msgr. John Cooke and I served together in Pitman, NJ for eight years. He preached at ecumenical services in the Presbyterian Church where my wife Carolyn and I served as pastors. We were invited to his church to share in baptisms and assist in ecumenical services. We prayed together at pastors\\\' meetings and shared meals together.
He was a wonderful, caring man of faith. We were blessed by him and his ministry.
John Cooke died on the eve of the day that we celebrate the gift of Jesus, God-with-us.
I remember a comforting poem by Ann Weems:
Jesus wept,
And in His weeping,
He joined Himself forever
To those who mourn.
He stands now throughout all time,
This Jesus weeping,
With His arms about the weeping ones:
\\\"Blessed are those who mourn,
for they shall be comforted.\\\"
He stands with the mourners,
For His name is God-with-us.
Jesus wept.
May God comfort and bless his family and his parish.
Grace and Peace,
Bruce Gillette
Limestone Presbyterian Church in Wilmington, Delaware
Call: (856) 582-3800 
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