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Merle Kvamme called three times before I could return her call the next day. She wanted to know if I was interested in leading a Bible study at her apartment building. She had tried for several months to get a study going but no one was available. Fifteen people had committed themselves if a leader could be found. They were excited! They didn't care what the topics were, they just wanted to study the Bible.

I was the new lay pastoral assistant at a big church downtown. I was enthusiastic, energetic, and happy to be able to have an instant opportunity of support and friendship. We set up the Bible study to begin in two weeks.

"Good," said Merle. "I bet I'll have more than fifteen there. We don't care what version of the Bible you use, just teach us. We want to learn!"

Merle was a treasure. Her enthusiasm was addictive. Her grace was evident from several phone conversations that followed. I was looking forward to meeting the group.

I felt a little nervous as I prepared. What text should I use? What version of the Bible should I bring? Should we start a series or study one book at a time? So many questions drifted in and out of my thoughts. I settled on a general first topic of how the Bible came to be. I would invite discussion and see where the group would want to go.

Two weeks flew by as I met all kinds of new people from the parish. Young and old, living in town and in the country, new members and staunch pillars of United. I often said I wished everyone would just wear name tags for the next six months until I could learn the names!

Our first Bible study was fun. Merle met me at the door and embraced me with a bear hug. I followed her to the beautiful common area, decorated in navy, emerald, and burgundy. The room was warm and comfortable, yet there was ample opportunity to have private conversations in the many small sitting areas. Merle took me to the dining room where 24 people sat. We made introductions and Merle gave everyone a pink ribbon with his or her name on it. "It'll help you remember our names," she had said.

I was just about to begin when Merle raised her hand. "Would it be okay if we start with a short prayer? Hank and Mrs. Elias are sick and they'll need our prayers." I asked if there were any other requests and we prayed for those present and absent. What a way to begin the study!

We had a great Bible study. The Methodist, Episcopalian, Presbyterian, Lutheran, Roman Catholic, and Nazarene traditions were represented. These people were neighbors and they kept up a running dialog, timidly challenging and looking for answers.

I left that first meeting filled with wonder at a group so eager to learn, so happy to have a chance to ask questions and discuss. Oh, how I wished the confirmands were as bright-eyed! I left the group, giving them three index cards and the assignment of bringing three topics to class next week of anything they wanted to know about or study in further detail. Every week we would put the cards in a hat and literally choose one topic for the following week. This week we chose "Gracious/Biblical hospitality" as next week's topic.

The week flew by and Thursday arrived once again. I looked forward to the Bible study. I noted that I had to remember to give the group my phone number since it was listed incorrectly in the phone book. I entered the gorgeous lobby and rang the bell.

A young voice answered Merle's phone. I asked her if I could speak with Merle or if she could just buzz me in since I was there for Bible study. She paused for a long time. "I'll buzz you through so you can come up to the apartment," she said. A loud buzz followed and I climbed the grand, circular staircase to the second floor. Merle's apartment was down the hall. As I walked down the hallway, I noticed a "VELKOMMEN" sign at one of the doors. Another had a pretty little wreath with silk greenery and a bird in it. A tiny sign said, "Every birdie welcome." Another door had a small table next to it with a flower pot and an enormous amount of flowers growing in it. I resisted the urge to see if they could possibly be real in such a low-lighted hallway.

I got to Merle's apartment feeling like a nosey neighbor. A young girl of about fifteen answered the door. "Hi, I'm here for Bible study," I said, excited at the thought. "Are you Merle's granddaughter from up north? Merle has shared lots about you and your brother!"

I stopped. I looked a little closer at the girl. She had obviously been crying. She looked up and opened her mouth. She looked at me and began to sob.

I dropped my books and gave her a hug. "What on earth is wrong? Do you need some help? Can I call someone for you? Is Merle okay?" I rambled on in typical fashion. The door opened further and a man came forward, eyes red and spilling over tears. "Merle died this morning. We couldn't reach you, and the church said you were on your way when we called. We're sorry."

I was shocked. How could it be that Merle would die right when her Bible study had finally begun to take shape? I sat down. I couldn't believe it. The red-eyed people looking at me told me this was not a dream.

I stayed with the family for a long while, talking and crying with them. Finally I walked down the hallway and through the common area. There, 24 faces were looking at me. Two women came forward to give me a hug. I cried, feeling a great sorrow.

The group was understanding as they waited for me to compose myself. I looked at them. "We'd like to have Bible study in Merle's honor today if you feel up to it," said one kindly gentleman. He spoke very softly and he looked a bit apologetic.

"We feel terrible about Merle. But just this morning at breakfast she told us we were going to have a good Bible study. She was eager to have it started and we feel like we need to do something. We've cried plenty this morning already. Now we would like to have a study in her honor."

I didn't know what to say. I told them that I felt terrible, that I didn't feel like having a study because it would remind me of Merle, but that at the same time I felt like having a study to honor Merle. I agreed and we started.

It was a good study. We talked about Merle often -- that week and the following weeks. She fit the picture of grace so well. And she seemed to cheer us on even in her absence. She knew where her treasures were.

The group was never static. Several people have gone on to nursing homes, to live with family members, or have died. Several new folks have joined. In that time when I was learning so much, I was able to share with them my frustrations, my joys, my fears, and my victories. The group became my lifeline for a source of honest and wise observations, not only about the Bible but about life in general. I will always treasure the opportunity to meet with them. I will always treasure Merle's memory and her determination to get the group together.

Blessed be Merle's memory.