Every church has them.

They may not be called Monday Men but they are surely there.

These are the guys who show up to do little jobs around the church.

Need lightbulbs replaced? They are there.

Need a door hinge fixed? They show up.

Need a wall painted and refreshed from scuff marks? Call on the Monday Men.

I love Monday Men.

When I worked at Epworth United Methodist Church in Concord, NC I had the pleasure of knowing two very special Monday Men. Jimmy Stewart ( yep) and Dick Kerns.

Jimmy and Dick would almost always stop by my office for a chat and maybe a piece of candy from my candy dish while they were waiting for glue to dry or in between little tasks. I wish I had a picture of them sitting in my office but I have a picture in my mind for sure.

They were fun and always regaled me with stories that made me smile and laugh. They were a big part of my Monday and always made going back to work on Monday morning something to look forward to.

Jimmy passed away in 2011 and I remember so clearly when I found out. We were on a little get away in Wilmington and a friend from the church called to tell me. The day was hard to get through because Jimmy was one of those really special guys. He gave me a little flashlight one time that I still have and told me that I would always carry the light with me if I had that little flashlight. I may have forgotten a lot of things over the years but I never forgot Jimmy. I wrote about him here.

This morning I found out that my Monday Man Dick passed away early this morning and I must admit my light went out for a little bit. While I know that both Jimmy and Dick are no longer trapped in physical bodies that fail them and are in a much better place it still makes me sad.

I think it is okay to be sad, don’t you? A part of my heart will always be with the people of Epworth UMC and those that supported me and loved me. So many of them have passed and it is just reality that I am getting older.

How grateful I am for the Monday Men and for the chance to get to know them. Rest In Peace, Dick. You will be missed.