Mabel's Bench
A Season of Change 

You may have already noticed the green bench the Borough has placed near our Park Church sign at the corner of Commerce and Third Streets. The bench is a gift from friends and family of Mabel Miller and is given as a place of comfort and rest in honor of her 100^th birthday last February.  Mabel died in August at the age of 100½. There’s something altogether appropriate about the bench, its location and the message on its plaque.

The beautiful iron bench is strong and sturdy and reminds us of Beaver’s past. It faces the community, but is clearly a part of Park Presbyterian Church. The plaque reminds us of the many friends and loving family who celebrated deeply with Aunt Mabel in February; she never forgot that good time we had.  The plaque also invites any who happen by to rest and comfort. 

Of course, Mabel was strong and sturdy, her life shaped by circumstance and refined by faith.  Whether it was as a teacher at the old Fort Mac School, as a volunteer at Friendship Ridge or in the Sunday School at Park Church, Mabel always loved her community.  But it was friends and family that brought her deepest joy – and she them.  Finally, Mabel had a heart for all, especially children, and would be first to welcome all to sit and stay for awhile. 

As soon as it stops raining, I think I’ll go out and sit on Mabel’s bench and let my memories of her good life keep me company. 

A Season of Change 

By now most of you know that I have accepted a call to become the pastor of Langhorne Presbyterian Church in Langhorne, Pennsylvania.  The decision to leave Beaver and Park Presbyterian Church has been an extremely difficult one for Becky and me to make, but, finally, we have seen unmistakable signs of God’s calling and knew we dare not ignore it. 

This season of change in our lives and the life of Park Church raises lots of questions for all of us.  Some of those are answered in a booklet, “A time of every matter under heaven…” that will be available in the Gathering Room Information Rack on Sunday.  The content of the booklet is also available at the e-pistle on line.  Just click her