If you started attending Bethel Grove during the pandemic, you may not know Scott and Michelle Emr. BG became their church home in 2007 after relocating from California. In 2017, Scott’s mother, Evelyn, came to Ithaca to be nearby. Health challenges, including hospice care, necessitated that she move in with Scott and Michelle. The three Emrs have been worshiping via Zoom ever since.
Early Sunday morning, March 23rd, Evelyn went home to her Lord and Savior. They wrote the following letter to Ithaca Women’s Bible Study (IWBS) members shortly after. Their words display a beautiful picture of Christ’s incarnational love, a faithful persistence in the love of God, and care for others.
Dear IWBS Sisters-in-Christ,
Mom loved participating in our IWBS since she moved to Ithaca in 2017. She was here in time for our series “Here Comes the Bride,” written and taught by Letty (Ludington), in addition to all the following studies.
Mom and I would sit together at my kitchen table, working on our homework and having a wonderful time sharing Bible truths and our hearts to serve and worship our Lord and Savior, Jesus. Mom taught women’s Bible studies for over 20 years and was truly a woman after God’s own heart.
She was my Mom of 48 years, my best friend, spiritual mentor, and prayer partner. It was a joy to have her live in our home and to care for her. Scott and I miss her dearly, but we know she is rejoicing with our Lord now, and we will be with her again one day.
I am thankful for all of you and your love and friendship with Mom and for your prayers and support of us over the years.
With deep appreciation and love,
Michelle and Scott Emr
The following is a refrain from “All the Way My Savior Leads Me” by Fanny Crosby, a favorite of Evelyn’s.
All the way my Savior leads me;
Oh, the fullness of His love!
Perfect rest to me is promised
In my Father’s house above.
When my spirit, cloth’d immortal,
Wings its flight to realms of day
This my song thru’ endless ages:
Jesus led me all the way.