Tuesday, February 2, 2021
I had the privilege of working at Grace Lutheran Church in San Diego as Interim Office Administrator from 2006-7. The church had been without a full-time Pastor for some time and the members were anxious to get the vacancy filled. The choir had only three members, you see membership had dropped at this beautiful and historical church, the first English-Speaking Lutheran Church in San Diego. The congregation of Grace was faithful and so very welcoming to my husband and I - Robert was no exception.
Robert would call the church office each and every week inquiring, "Do you have Sunday's sermon's title yet?" You see, Robert volunteered at the church and he took this responsibility very seriously - he was tasked with changing out the Sermon Title on the Church's Marquee (sign) for all passer-byers to see. He'd walk over from the Towers next door where he lived. Before returning home, Robert would stop by the office to visit just for a few minutes - he liked to ask, with a smirk on his face, my opinion on current events, never taking his eyes off of me, as if to want to start a good controversial discussion or just to see my reaction to his question. One day, after a long-time member had passed away, and word travels quickly at Grace, Robert made a point to stop by and deliberately say, "She is now Asleep in Jesus!" I don't know if that was a reference used from a previous church or just how Robert looked at death.
I was privileged to have met Robert Jackson.
Rest in Peace my friend as I now know you are "ASLEEP IN JESUS!"
Charles + Sherri Anderson (now residing in Mississippi)
(619) 333-8003
