Bringing out the best in one another...

older adults
Originally uploaded by scoxjohnson.

Over the past several weeks, we have had several deaths in the congregation. The last two funeral/memorial services that I have had were for women in the nineties, one who had never married, the other who had been widowed for decades--both, by the way, were Harvey Girls! For both of these women, there were not any close family members. Today's service was at the church, in the parlor. The person who had been the main care giver for Elma was Jim, a long time, very active member of our church. Jim, along with some others, had helped Elma with her house, with legal matters, with medical matters, and after my sermon today, it was he who rose to thank those present, and others who could not be present, for their support of Elma, much as a younger brother might do. The most memorable part of the service was when a step-nephew of Elma's stood and spoke. As in many families where there has been re-marriage, there had been some tension and ill feelings, as Bob, the step nephew admitted. And, he said, with tears in his eyes, that he was so glad to be present and to hear the sharing that had taken place primarilly by church members, who spoke with love and appreciation for Elma. It gave him a perspective on her life that he had never had, and he was grateful to be able to remember Elma in a more positive way.
One definition of a church community that is healthy is that the members are able to bring out the best in one another. Churches are often at their best when there is a crisis in a member's life, and the petty differences between persons are put aside. I am so glad for the many of our church who find ways each week to quietly go about the ministry of care.