Book of Memories for Norma Rust

Condolence From Cheryl Costa

Fri, 18 May 2018 09:21:03 EDT

Rev. Norma was the main reason I joined Kensington United Methodist Church. Her faith, sense of humor and genuine kindness were the perfect combination. Her sermons were interesting and left you with things to ponder and motivated one to be a better person. No other minister has ever done that for me. She was a true blessing.

Condolence From Susan Peartson

Sat, 12 May 2018 19:08:35 EDT

Norma was a faithful and most welcome visitor to my father when he was a shut-in in her role as pastoral visitor at the Simbsury United Methodist Church. She continued to offer her friendship to my mother -- and our entire family -- after my father died. She was a blessing to us all.

Condolence From William G. Smartt

Fri, 11 May 2018 20:58:11 EDT

A memory to share: When we were ordain as elders, Norma walked in front of me, her last name beginning with "R." Although our paths seldom touched since then, I have never forgotten her.

Story shared: Norma, A Good Friend & Mentor

Fri, 11 May 2018 20:02:12 EDT

When Norma came to Bellmore UMC, my father was Chairperson of the Pastor-Parish Relations Committee. I was in seminary at that time & Norma helped Dad feel more peaceful about my call to ministry. Norma & I became good friends. She mentored me & invited me to assist her at services during the summer months when I was home. Norma also invited me to go with her on a Methodist tour to Wesley's Chapel in London during the renovation period in 1977. What a trip! We had such fun! In 1981 she co-officiated at my wedding in New Jersey.

As a pastor, Norma brought her congregations together & nurtured their faith. For those who were hesitant about a woman pastor, Norma just did her job & they came around when they saw how competant she was. She had a great sense of humor & brought smiles & laughter into her services. How can we forget those early "non-traditional" worship songs that enlivened Sunday mornings? Her love for her family & her congregations will stay with us. I'm blessed to have known Norma & grateful for her influence on my professional development.

Condolence From Kris Bryant

Thu, 10 May 2018 10:58:04 EDT

First met Norma at Higganum Methodist where my grandmother, Pauline Blodgett, attended. Will never forget the jazzy songs we got to sing under her leadership. Then we were lucky to have her move to Asbury Methodist in Bristol, where we got to spend more time with her. Truly an inspiration to us all. She will be missed.

Condolence From Beverly Manzi

Thu, 10 May 2018 07:39:30 EDT

Rev. Norma was an important part of why I joined the Kensington United Methodist Church. Her passion, sense of humor and kindness were evident daily. She was there for me during a very difficult time in my life with the loss of my son. I will always be grateful for her kindness. Rest in perfect peace dear Rev. Norma.

Condolence From Tim and Nancy Keddy

Thu, 10 May 2018 06:47:56 EDT

as Norma served as pastor of Asbury In bristol,ct it was an honor to talk with her as she was so compassionate about her flock. We had the honor of having norma officiate at our wedding 31 years ago. Rest in peace dear pastor Norma

Condolence From Rev. Ralph Lord Roy

Wed, 09 May 2018 20:51:35 EDT

I have had the privilege of being a colleague of Norma over the years. She was an early woman to be ordained as a Methodist minister and our paths crossed often in the past. Once we both aged (I will 90 this fall) we rarely saw one another and I missed her. But I never forgot and always was grateful for her many years of able and devoted service to God and the Church. Thank you and pax vobiscum, Norma!

Condolence From Lori Miller

Wed, 09 May 2018 18:20:10 EDT

Norma was truly a pioneer in ordained ministry in this annual conference. Those who came after are grateful! Rev. Lori Miller

Photo shared: Rust

Wed, 09 May 2018 13:24:49 EDT