In Memory of Joan Semprini 1934-2009

It is with sadness that I report another passing of a dear friend and a fellow member of the Adventureland Congregation.

Joan had worked with the Human resources office for several years and was a fellow Workamper before settling down, along with her husband, Ted (also a dear friend and former Adventureland employee) in nearby Mitchellville.

Joan was involved with the Adventureland Congregation from the beginning.

Joan was, to me, the big sister that I always wished to have. She always made sure that if I attended a pot luck supper when Sandi was out of town that she had made a bit extra for me so that I would feel right in attending even though I may have had no opportunity to bring something.

When Steve Pinkley became aware of this blog in the summer of 2007, during the “will worship” controversy, he began printing off and sharing my posts with Joan, who quickly became one of my best supporters. The encouragement that she gave me in my writing, and what that meant to me, cannot be expressed in words.

Somewhere, I have developed this picture in my mind (probably from Twila Paris’ song, “Runner”) of myself, when I go home to be with the Lord, striding down the streets of heaven on my way to the throne, to lay my trophies at the feet of Jesus. In this mental picture, as I am going down the streets, crowds of Saints who have preceded me are gathering along the streets and cheering me on. If there is any truth to this picture, I know that I will look into that crowd and see my sister Joanie cheering me on, even as she did here in this life.

And so I guess that there is only one thing left to say: “Welcome home Joanie, welcome home!”

Blessings to all who join me in celebrating her life, and in mourning her passing.
Thanks for sharing this moment with me today.