Many of you know by now that Arabella Meadows-Rogers died Thursday, December 17, at 4:30 AM. Her husband Rob and her sister were with her. She declined quickly over the last few weeks but even so, for as long as she could be, she was alert and communicative. A memorial service will be held for her after the first of the year at Madison Avenue Presbyterian Church in New York City. Arabella was the EP in NYC Presbytery until she left the position during the summer on disability.
I invite all who would like to comment on Arabella and her many gifts. We can give her a tribute in this blog. She was a friend of mine, someone who encouraged me and empowered me to bring my leadership gifts to the table. She was wise and funny, strong and compassionate. But it was her faith that affected me the most. That faith could be seen as she found fullness of life even in the face of cancer. She lived with joy and as Jill Hudson noted, we could see that joy in the brightly colored headscarves she wrapped around her head. She was simply vibrant. Her whole life spoke boldly to life in this world and the next. I
will miss her. We will miss her.
You can email her husband, Rob, at rmr@nyc.rr.com.
Or you can send a note to Robert Meadows-Rogers: 70 Haven Avenue, Apt. 2C, New York, NY 10032-2609.
Betty Meadows, President
Association of Executive Presbyters
I first met Arabella while she was serving out on the Plains. It was so fun to welcome her into the fellowship of ministry in the Northeast. She was a bright, articulate, loving, insightful colleague and friend. It was SO GOOD to have her next door in New York City. I was sorry to leave the fold and head West for new adventures. Arabella kept in touch. I have kept her in my prayers, her beloved family and friends through this long journey Home. May God fill the empty empty spaces on this side of glory. Her sparkle and laughter remain with me.
Arabella was a great encouragement to me, especially during my start-up as GP. Always insightful and on point, conversations with her always left me feeling equipped and ready for the next challenge. Arabella added depth and zest to every gathering from the Synod of the Northeast EP Collegiums to General Assemblies. Her exuberance was unsinkable to the very end. She will be deeply missed by me and all of us whose ministry journeys were illuminated by her joyful faith.
Kevin Yoho
Newark Presbytery