Two of our dear brothers in Christ, Jim Mueller and Al Binks, left within a week’s time, to be with their Heavenly Father.  

Jim Mueller passed into greater life early on November 12.  Jim had been at St Joseph’s Hospital in Denver for nearly four weeks. It was thought that he would receive a pacemaker to assist his ailing heart, but doctors eventually decided that surgery would be ill-advised given Jim’s health and age (Jim would have turned 90 on November 18).  Jim and Shirlee Mueller and the Mueller boys have been at the heart of our Cross of Glory ministry for decades. Shirlee was embraced by God on January 1, 2018.  Now Jim and Shirlee are together again with Shirlee no doubt rolling her eyes…even now…at Jim’s antics. Jim’s Celebration of Life Funeral service was held on November 23. 

Al Binks passed into greater life on November 17 when he began struggling to breathe and became non-responsive.   Paramedics were called and Al was taken to the hospital. While on the way, Al’s heart stopped…and paramedics could not resuscitate him.  The overall sentiment was one of sadness to be sure…but thanksgiving to God for Al’s life and impact. Al and Jean Binks have been members of Cross of Glory for about as long as anyone in our church. The Muellers invited the Binks to Cross of Glory in the mid-1960s. Al, married to wife Jean for 58 years, was a quiet, gentle strength in the Binks’ family…and to our Cross of Glory family. Al was a “handyman,” and his help was always freely-given whenever there was a property need at church. Though we will not be in our church sanctuary for Christmas this year, we will always remember that Al Binks was forever our usher at our Cross of Glory Christmas Eve services. And who could forget, Al…ALWAYS, ALWAYS, ALWAYS…attending church? Al will be buried at Hampden Memorial Garden Cemetery on December 7 in a service for family members.  Al’s Celebration of Life funeral service (for all) is pending until the pandemic eases.