Not because of the rain, which we needed, but because of the email that came around yesterday: "Katharine Pohlmann, wife of Pr. Kenneth Pohlmann, died on Monday, September 1. Arrangements are pending. (Tentative: Saturday morning service, Sept. 6 at Bethel.)"
I remember Kathy as a funny, sweet and very savvy woman. She was also one of the leading forces behind keeping the church library going. If you can find anything there, it's because Kathy--and her helpers--organized things. Of course, I rejoice that she has gone to her heavenly home, but I'm still sad. She will be missed.
On to other things: Been thinking a lot since Sunday about the second lesson (Romans 12: 9-21). One of the added advantages of being assisting minister (we're still looking for more volunteers) is that having to read the texts publicly forces you to actually pay attention to them. This one is a real keeper.
From the NIV: " 9. Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. 10. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. 11. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. 12. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. 13. Share with God's people who are in need. Practice hospitality. 14. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. 15. Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. 16. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited. 17. Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. 18. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. 19. Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: "It is mine to avenge; I will repay," says the Lord. 20. On the contrary: "If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head." 21. Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good."
As Pastor Matt said on Sunday, this text is about how we should live together in the church community. But this week, with the political discourse getting even uglier and nastier than usual (if that's possible), it seems to me like a good motto to follow in the larger community as well. It's one thing to think your neighbor's political views are wrong-headed. It's another to be hateful about it. Just sayin'.
Hi from the Northwest Conference.
Posted by: Pastor Seth | September 03, 2008 at 12:48 PM