Across the Waters, Held by God (Tribute to West Waters 4/9/1957- 2/24/2024)

Painted by West Water

 

Scripture: Exodus 3:6, Psalm 107:23-24,28-30       

“I am the God of your father, the God of Abraham,

the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.”

 

“Some went down to the sea in ships;

Doing business on the mighty waters.

They saw the deeds of the Lord,

his wonderful works in the deep...

Then they cried out to the Lord in their trouble,

and he brought them out from their distress.

He made the storm be still, 

And the waves of the sea were hushed.

Then they were glad because they had quiet,

and he brought them to their desired haven.

Let them thank the Lord for his steadfast love,

For his wonderful works to humankind.”

 

Gathering in Historical Wellfleet

Good morning, dear friends, family, and neighbors who love West Waters and the Waters family. Whether you walked down the street from your childhood home here in town as a Wellfleetian, or traveled across the country—from Virginia, where West once lived, or from all over the world (as I did from South Korea)—welcome. I give thanks to God who has gathered us together in this sacred place, held by His divine presence. I believe with all my heart that West’s spirit is here with us in this moment.

Since becoming the minister of Wellfleet United Methodist Church just two months ago, I have fallen deeply in love with the history of this sanctuary and this community. When I learned about West and the legacy of the Waters family, I was moved by how closely their story is woven into the very fabric of our church.

Our church is a historical treasure. Visitors stop by year-round just to learn our story! Half of our local museum's historical displays are dedicated to the Methodists who built this community—giants of faith like Lorenzo D. Baker, Nehemiah Hopkins, and Isaac Rich.

When Lorenzo Baker led the rebuilding of this sanctuary in 1891, over 250 townspeople contributed—whether they attended church or not—because this was Wellfleet’s church. And inside, our famous stained-glass windows hold unique details. I often tell visitors, "If you look closely, you might even spot a banana in the stained glass!" People spend half the sermon searching the glass!

Then there was Isaac Rich, born right here in Wellfleet. He went on to become a successful merchant and donated $1.7 million to endow Boston University and its School of Theology. To stand in this pulpit and shepherd a congregation with such a rich cloud of witnesses is a profound privilege. So when I was asked to officiate West Waters' service, I felt deeply honored—because the Waters family stands right at the heart of this history.

The Journey of West Waters & His Family’s Ministry

West’s roots run deep into the soil and soul of this church. Born to the Reverend Robert and Maria Waters (she was also a minister), West grew up inside these very walls alongside his brothers. His father, Rev. Robert Waters, brought a vibrant gift of creative ministry to Wellfleet UMC through theater and drama. The vestry downstairs was turned into a stage, bringing actors and audiences from all across the state to participate in plays written and directed by Rev. Waters. West and his brothers grew up on that stage, helping with productions, serving the church, and learning what it meant to live a life shaped by faith, art, and community. West carried that creative and faithful spirit with him throughout his entire life.

Born in Washington, D.C., in 1957, Westt Demitri Waters grew up in Wellfleet, Massachusetts, surrounded by sports, the Cape waters, and the vibrant theatrical world of his father's parish fellowship hall. After graduating from Nauset High School, he earned his degree at Virginia Wesleyan College, where he met lifelong friend, Eddie and developed an enduring passion for creative design. Westt mastered the furniture trade in Wisconsin before returning to Cape Cod to run his own successful venture, Codder's Furniture in Wellfleet. In 2007, he chose to invest fully in his artistic vision, closing his business to become a dedicated self-taught painter inspired by the nautical landscapes of Cape Cod and the Chesapeake Bay. Westt later moved to an 1896 Virginia farmhouse studio, where he spent three years selflessly providing full-time care for his mother, calling the devotion "the honor of my life." He passed away suddenly at age 66 in February 2024, leaving behind a legacy defined by artistic expression, deep loyalty to family and lifelong friends, and profound kindness. Thank Micah for putting his life together well.

 

Across the Generations: The God of Our Ancestors

Today, as we remember West, we are reminded of God’s covenantal faithfulness across generations. In Exodus 3:6, when God spoke to Moses from the burning bush, His people were suffering, feeling overwhelmed by deep and bitter waters under Pharaoh’s oppression. When God called Moses to lead them to freedom, He introduced Himself with these words:

“I am the God of your father—the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.” (Exodus 3:6)

God did not introduce Himself as a distant stranger, a passing neighbor, or a summer visitor. He revealed Himself as the Almighty Creator, Provider, Redeemer, and Sustainer who had guided Moses' ancestors for generations. Just as He was faithful to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, God was faithful to Rev. Robert and Maria Waters, to West, and He remains faithful to us today.

This sacred revelation gave Moses peace, strength, and courage for his journey. I believe Westt would want us gathered here today to receive that same peace and strength. How would Westt want us to celebrate his life? He would want us to honor his memory by carrying forward the legacy of faith, creativity, and love that was handed down to him.

 

Across the Waters: Seeing God Through West’s Eyes

Thankfully, West left us a beautiful collection of his paintings—windows into his soul, his thoughts, and his deep reverence for creation. Downstairs in the vestry after the service, you will see his artwork.

If you look closely at his paintings, you will notice a recurring theme: the water and the boats. Having "Waters" as his last name was truly fitting! West never lost his sense of awe when looking out at the ocean. And indeed, the ocean is one of the most powerful reflections of God's majesty.

Reflecting on the ocean through West’s eyes inspired me to think of the God who is like the Ocean.

 

The God Who Is Like the Ocean

                                                          Youngeun Joyce Kang

We can see where the water begins, but its end is far beyond our sight.

With every gentle wave, He washes over the wounds left in the sand.

He covers our deepest faults with the tide of His grace, bringing healing and restoration.

At times He gives us soft sand, at times smooth pebbles—gifts tailored for every season.

Even in our coldest winter storms, He never freezes; He remains constant and unchanged.

With countless rolling waves, He sings a harmony of endless praise.

He invites us to discover His uncounted ocean treasures, one by one.

To all who come to Him, in every season of life, He offers deep and perfect rest.

He is the Sovereign Master of sunrise and sunset, of morning and evening, of beginning and end.

Though all humanity should enter His waters at once, His embrace is vast enough to hold us all.

And though countlessly painted by human hands, His boundless glory can never fully be contained.

 

When we look at the ocean, we see a reflection of God’s love. All human life begins in the quiet waters of our mother’s womb. As we grow, we sail across many different waters:

• We face the Red Sea waters of overwhelming trials and grief.
• We encounter the stormy waters that frightened the disciples in their small boat.
• We face the uncertain waters where Jesus calls us, like Peter, to step out in faith.

And at the end of our earthly journey, we cross the Jordan River into the eternal waters of God’s presence. As Saint Augustine famously prayed: "Our hearts are restless, O Lord, until they find their rest in You." Today, West has completed his journey across the waters and is at total rest in the everlasting arms of God.

 

We do not choose the date of our birth, nor the date of our passing—those belong to God alone. But God grants us the privilege of steering our boat during the dash between those two dates. On today’s bulletin, you will see one of West’s paintings featuring the vast open water and three small boats. To me, those three boats represent three generations: Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob; Rev. Robert Waters, West Waters, and all of us gathered here today to honor their legacy.

Conclusion: Giving Thanks and Sailing Forward

How then shall we sail the waters of our remaining days? Psalm 107 gives us the answer:

“Some went down to the sea in ships, doing business on the mighty waters; they saw the deeds of the Lord, His wondrous works in the deep... Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble, and He delivered them from their distress. He made the storm be still, and the waves of the sea were hushed... And He brought them to their desired haven.” (Psalm 107:23–30)

 

Today, we give thanks for West's life, his art, his quiet faith, and his enduring legacy. God has brought West safely into His desired haven—his eternal home. May God grant us the grace to give thanks, to praise Him in every season, and to keep painting the awe-inspiring moments of His love until we, too, reach that eternal shore.  Amen.