Those who have the “right touch” in any given situation are blessed with a special gift. Lucy Turner embodies this for me and I know for many in the IPC congregation where she has been a pastor for the last 16 years. She has touched many lives with her intuitive ability to dig deep into the real meaning of an issue whether it be a baptism, homily, Bible lesson, counseling session, or sermon.
She has an uncanny understanding of herself and God’s call on her life. Calling herself an introvert, she has the ability to step back and listen intently and lovingly to others. The response is always appropriate whether to intense pain and suffering or discovering an unexpected joy. It is consistently the “right touch.” I think Lucy exemplifies the verse found in Hebrews 4:16, “Let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.”
In a particularly sad time, I was struck with how she related to my critically ill husband, Lee. She had the “right touch” and he sensed it. Toward the end when he was bedridden here at home, she sat on the side of the bed, held his hand as they together discussed what he wanted for his funeral service, which she beautifully officiated.
Another time, I recall, our family had a dear, dear friend, a retired Presbyterian pastor who was in the ICU on life support. I called Lucy who knew him and she raced to the hospital. My daughter and I were awed as she prayed with him toward the end and laid her hand on his forehead --- again the “right touch.”
I am sure all at IPC have similar stories as she has ministered as a consummate Pastor and God’s true servant. The quiet sensitivity and small gestures she has shown have been evidence of God’s providence.
Over the years, our friendship has grown through many happy times -- fly fishing for trout in a cold mountain stream (lots of funny stories), car trips, quail hunting, and wonderful meals together with my immediate family, including three grandsons. They all admit that they have kidnapped Lucy!
We will all miss her as part of our spiritual lives here at IPC but she will not be too far away as she assumes her new ministry as a part time chaplain at Kirkwood by the River. As she said in her retirement letter, “We have been together in the worst of times and the best of times.” To me, she has had the right touch in all things and it has truly been a joy and priviledge to have Lucy at Independent Presbyterian Church.
Lucy’s final service will be Sunday, September 27 at 11 a.m. Please join us for this service via livestream. A congregational meeting disolving her call to IPC and a drive by infront of the Sanctuary will follow. All are welcome.
