Brenda Fawkes: A Pastoral Letter

This was originally sent out in the Chinook Region newsletter, you can see it here. Many of you may have seen Brenda at the Chinook Region Annual Meeting that was held at McDougall in May.

Dear friends,

It’s been 5 days since we learned that Brenda Fawkes had been killed in an accident. I’m sure most of us met this news with shock. As much as we in the church are used to death and dying and loss, when someone who is far too young, who is so integral to the life of our denomination dies in such a way, it hits us differently.

Brenda Fawkes

We on the Chinook Winds Executive were in the midst a meeting when Treena got the news. I am so grateful for her strength in continuing with our meeting while also calling folks and sharing this difficult news with all who needed to know before she could share it with us. At the end of the meeting, we heard the news, we were in shock, and we closed our meeting by singing Amazing Grace. Because even in the midst of the most tragic news, when we become numb from grief and disbelief, still Grace upholds us. 

Even when we are lost, love surrounds us. Even as we grieve, the Spirit brings comfort even as God grieves with us.

For those of you who served with Brenda on the Vocations Board, or walked with her through your candidacy, or worked with her on clergy concerns, we acknowledge this is a deeper cut. Brenda has been a calm and solid presence through many challenges, leading us with her grace and love. We also hold Treena in our prayers – she and Brenda were very close and worked together for many years. We remember our UCC siblings in Pacific Mountain Region with great tenderness, as Brenda was an integral part of that Region in many different capacities for many years and was well loved and respected.

A Celebration of her life will be held on October 14th. Information on times, location and other ways to share our grief and convey our love are attached. I will be attending in person on behalf of Chinook Winds Region.

And so we grieve. We lament the loss of life. We ache for Brenda’s partner Nancy, and their children, Nathan and Joel. We wonder what is next. In our weakness God is with us. In our grief, we have each other. Hug those close to you. Let your colleagues and congregants know they are cherished. Hold us all in your prayers. Life is precarious and uncertain. Only love transcends all the heartache that fills our human journey.

Blessings to you all as we move together in grace and love. Peace be with You. 

Joanne Anquist,
Presiding Officer, Chinook Winds