Memories of Gwen by Elizabeth, Lydia, and Caroline Dilts

Elizabeth: I have so many great memories with Gwen. I REALLY like how she always runs Valentine’s Day at our church. I enjoy making cards for people in the hospital over Valentine’s Day. I also enjoy the snacks she always prepares for us. I also REALLY love that during some of the church services, Gwen comes up with something and has the kids huddle around her. We get to see cool items of hers (or Harold’s) and she just talks about it for a little bit. I also LOVE it when she does the “Tooty Ta” at our Easter celebration. She always makes everyone laugh. I love how Harold plays the accordion.

Another thing that Gwen does is the Christmas parents’ night out. We make a craft, play a couple of games, and eat a snack. My favorite part is going to houses and singing “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer,” or “Silent Night,” or “Frosty the Snowman,” or “Away in a Manger,” or “Joy to the World.” I am so, SO sad that Gwen is retiring, but I have so many great memories with her.

Lydia: One of my fondest memories is when Gwen runs the Easter celebration. I will never forget all of the times that Gwen has put on her purple clothes and that fun headband and done the “Tooty Ta.” The weird dance moves make me laugh so hard! Easter will not be the same without Gwen leading the “Tooty Ta.” She makes that special day even more special and even more fun for everyone, not just the kids.

I think it is so special when Gwen comes into our choir room almost every Sunday and listens. When we are finished with a song, she says, “woo hoo,” and tell us that we sound great and gives us a thumbs-up. One of the other things that makes Gwen the unforgettable, loving, very amusing lady that she is, is the parents’ night out Christmas party. She organizes games, which are a blast, and arranges our Christmas caroling and comes up with all of the songs that we sing. And that Christmas headband that bursts into song at random moments? Wow! It is one unique headband! Miss Gwen, you have been such a great children’s minister for our church and we are all sad to see you retire, but we’re happy for the opportunities that it will give you.

Caroline: From babies to fifth graders, Gwen always manages to amuse and delight every kid at Second Baptist. She was a constant part of my church experience when I was in elementary school, through vacation Bible school, letting me light worship candles, and popping in to say hello during choir and Sunday school. Her children’s moments during church services are especially memorable, as she mixes meaningful lessons with childhood fun.

Even as I moved from a Second Baptist child to a Second Baptist youth, Gwen was still a part of my church experience in different ways. For example, she helped me get involved with volunteering for children’s events around the church, such as face painting for the Easter egg hunt and being a youth leader for the parents’ night out.

Last year I experienced Gwen’s generous nature outside of a church setting. I was giving a class presentation on fair trade and slave trade chocolate, and to make my presentation memorable, I wanted to give out the mini-fair trade chocolates that I love to buy from the Many Hands Fair Trade Shop. I asked Gwen if she could bring the chocolates to church and I would pay her there. When I arrived at church, Gwen told me that the chocolates were on her desk. I thanked her and pulled out my money, and she immediately told me that the chocolates were free of charge. Her generosity touched me, and my class was touched by my presentation, driven home by the chocolate they received at the end. This is only one example of Gwen’s wonderful personality, and I am so thankful that she chose to serve 2BC by being our children’s pastor.