One of our members describes Connie as a "pillar of the church." And she notes that we don't use that language so much anymore to talk about God's people. Maybe that in part reflects the age in which Connie was in her prime -- an age where strong leadership was looked to and trusted for command and direction. Where a watchful shepherdess on the green was there to keep everybody, including the other leadership (the clergy most particularly!), in line. But more importantly it reflects Connie's living into the call of Isaiah to live into our anointed nature as God's people. To be as Connie was; to be an "oak of righteousness," a "planting of the Lord," where a mantle of praise has replaced a faint spirit, garlands are given in place of ashes, and the oil of gladness rushes down in abundance.