Part I
December 17, 2007
It was a simple little church in an old German neighborhood and it was over 100 years old. Its professed faith did not matter. Its total membership was less than 100 and they came from all different faiths at one time or another.
There was something special about this small church that was appealing. No one could explain it and no one seemed to want to discover the reasons why. They just liked being there.
The altar still faced the back of the little church with fine grained wooden steps leading up to it. The back of the altar was graced with a wood carving depicting Jesus at the Last Supper with his twelve disciples. Once a year, the member in charge of the Sacristy and Altar would polish it till it glowed. If something happened to any of the figure pieces, such as a finger missing from one of the hands or a foot missing a toe, she would carefully glue that piece back in its proper place and no one would know the better. The love and care given to this fine carved masterpiece only added to its grandeur.
The church organ was as old as its home but just as beautiful. The craftsmanship of its distinct carvings unfolded its own story of pride and love in the artist’s work. Sometimes, while performing at the hand of its choir director, it would give out a squeak or two and sometimes it would just stop playing all together. But the congregation always found a way to have it repaired by the next Sunday’s church service. And, on Sunday, it was special! It would perform like an opera singer….ringing out in clear heavenly tones, its musical prayer. The small choir, along with the Organist and Director, performed feats of harmonious magic while the congregation listened. It was an angelic moment!
It was peaceful here and one could feel the harmony and contentment when they first walked through its doors. No one could escape it for it hovered in the air of this fine, old church.
Even though the Little Church was old, its heart was young. For its heart was its people. People young and old alike meeting together to be with their church family. They came from all different places, lifestyles, careers, countries, and social differences. All were welcome and never judged... only accepted with the common bond of belonging.
Each had their own problems in life, but when they came to the Little Church, they seemed to forget those problems and only concentrated on the happiness they shared with one another. The Little Church was so happy to know that its destiny was being fulfilled by making its people happy and content even if it was just for a short while.
Christmas was soon coming and the little Church was very excited! This was a time of joy and giving and the little Church knew how each of its children loved to participate especially at this time of year. Everyone was in the process of preparing for this Holy Event. Special rehearsal of the choir and the children’s special Christmas orchestra were now taking place and each child took sincere interest under the direction of the Choir Master.
Preparing the Church was like decorating their home. Stringing of the lights on the Christmas tree, placing the Animals in the stable to greet the Savior on Christmas Day, and strings of garlands being hung throughout the Little Church added to its charm and the Little Church began to feel even younger than it cared to imagine. Yes, the life and blood of the Little Church was stirring.
Some of the Congregation had a special interest at this festive time for they knew this season may be their last with its Church family and they were saddened by it. But only for a little while. They knew that they would share one more time, the love and giving that made them complete. Besides, it wasn’t the end of anything, really. It was just the beginning of a new and glorious dawning for them. Leaving the Little Church was only one step toward the Eternal Love that they all so longed to posess. It was a happy but sad time for those who were threatened with their limited time here on earth.
The Little Church knew this and it knew its destiny – to always remain here for those searching for comfort. For, its heart was stable, strong and secure in its firm belief that there is good in this world!
Sometimes, the small things are the better things. Like a touch, a word, a feeling, ….a Little Church. So, when and if you happen by the Little Church on your hurried way to somewhere, stop for a moment and pay a visit. You will always be welcome at the Little Church.
Part IIApril 16, 2008
Life is simple here. But it is real…No drama. No pretense. The people of the little church have a daily list of challenges that each must deal with in their own way. Each challenge is not unique and sometimes they must face them alone. And, sometimes they just have each other... For it seems the outside world has its own problems to deal with, so the Little Church handles theirs in the only way they know. They just do it.
Let me give you an example of what I mean. Each day, the congregation is kept in touch by their pastor through email and each month, a newsletter. Yes, they actually talk to each other. Everyone knows when things are happening in the Little Church and who needs their support.
Like the other day, I got this email from Pastor Tuula. It simply stated how two young people gave birth to their newborn child. God was present on this happy day, but so were some others. The adoptive parents, as well. Somehow, this made a great impact on me. What other church actually announces to the whole congregation to gather around in prayer to support the new parents that have given their child a chance at life by giving it to another couple? Wow! That is some powerful, unselfish, and courageous deed! How loved this baby is! My heart went out to the birth parents. What a sacrifice that was made on their part. But it was a truly unselfish and mature love that made their decision.
I tried to think how it would feel to be the baby’s mother. She has to be a strong and loving person who never thought of herself but only of the needs of her child. I think all mothers have this instinct and most of us deal with it every day in a very different way. But to give up your baby for its own betterment is quite an amazing feat. I can recall another woman in the Bible who did that. The baby’s name was Moses and his mother, an Israelite, knew that if she kept her child, the Pharaoh would have him killed like all of the male children that were being born by Israelites. Moses’ mother wanted life for her babe. She saw that his future was at stake, so she secretly put him in a small ark made of bulrushes and then placed him down by the reeds along the river banks hoping someone else would find him and raise him safely. It just so happened that the daughter of the Pharaoh was the one to find him down by the river as she was getting ready to wash herself in the river. God surely had a Plan for this child. Just like he does for all of us. The Divine Plan that fits into the scheme of all things.
So, my dear new parents, you have given your newborn a new life! What a courageous thing to do to endorse your child’s future! You indeed both deserve honor, respect, and the comfort of peace in what you did for your child.
May God always bless the day you wake up knowing you are definitely a part of His Divine Plan of Life.
“Love—The Ties That Blind”May 2008
I’m an avid fan of good movies. A good movie is a movie that deals with certain issues that we can all relate to in a very simple, but honest and appealing way. In other words, I like a movie that has integrity.
One of my most current favorites within the past ten years is “Mrs. Doubtfire.” It deals with a man whom loves his children so much he will do anything to be near them after he loses custody of them during a bitter divorce. He’s very talented as an actor and finds difficulty managing to hold a job due to his “free spirit.” His brother, a make-up artist, comes to his rescue and he manages to re-incarnate him into an English nanny that takes a position in his children’s home, just so he can be near them. His newfound identity becomes a famous celebrity at a local Public TV station that hostesses a children’s educational program on the station and it goes nationwide. At the very end of the movie, he reads a letter from one of his child viewers that asks very tenderly, “Mrs. Doubtfire, my mommy and daddy are getting a divorce and my brother says we are losing our family. Is this true?”
Mrs. Doubtfire’s response was so touching that it has stayed with me all this time. Mrs. Doubtfire’s response was simple.
“Don’t be afraid, my dear. Just because your mommy and daddy don’t love each other anymore that doesn’t mean they don’t love you. Sometimes when mommies and daddies don’t get along, the family can be a better family when they live apart. Some families have mommies and daddies that marry again and then you have two families with two mommies or daddies. And, sometimes, dear, it may be an uncle, grandmother, or just a dear family member who loves you. But when you have a Love, dear, those are the ties that bind. Don’t worry, my little poppit, you will be all right! Much Love, Mrs. Doubtfire.”
Well, that last comment from Mrs. Doubtfire really got to me. And it reminded me of the Little Church. There is so much Love there! When there is a separation, either through death or a member moving away, the Little Church never stops loving or stops supporting. They embrace this love and continue with another new beginning.
The Little Church is going through this exciting change right now. They have a new Minister and he’s been a member of the family for quite a while. He’s not a new face but is a well known one. Steven Renner has given his love and support to the Little Church for some time now and has always been the “right arm” of Pastor Tuula whom is now leaving for a new adventure and challenge with her pastoral duties.
One of the first occasions I had to really get to know Steven was when he was substituting for Pastor Tuula one Sunday. I recall especially the sermon he gave that involved the children’s story, “The Velveteen Rabbit.” It is one of my favorites. And Steven, in his mild and very warm manner, approached the congregation with great feeling. His approach was subtle but very meaningful. He held everyone’s interest with great care.
Steven Renner now becomes the new Minister of the Little Church and now carries on its legacy. And that is to keep us together, whole, and forever loving in our approach to all things that happed to the Little Church. We are a family.
We are a family that supports all and loves all. And we embrace this love with a new beginning-Steven Renner. How blessed we are!
“My Heart Is Crying”May 15, 2008
When someone experiences two emotions at once, it can be very overwhelming. Sadness and joyfulness combined makes it impacting. But on the other hand, we deal with these two emotions together all the time and probably don’t even realize we are doing it. We can be happy and sad at the same time but for different reasons. But when a WHOLE CHURCH is happy but sad, that is a much different story. A story that needs to be told and shared by all. Because, you see, so many lives are affected by this. And, when a whole congregation does it - also very meaningful.
The Little Church is doing this right now. It is sadly saying goodbye to a very dear and close friend. Their Pastor, confidant, and best friend, Pastor Tuula VanGaasbeek . You might call her their “spiritual mom.”
I first met Pastor Tuula when she arrived at The Little Church and a small reception was being held downstairs after services to welcome her. My first thoughts were, ”A WOMAN!” Amen, Lord! Thanks for the fresh air! Yes, I was surprised. Why? Because I didn’t even belong to this Church, for one thing. I was there with my son’s family. I was asked to come and so I did. Me, a Catholic! I was so happy to see a woman become involved at the Church level where Catholics do not allow women to go.
My son was raised Catholic but his wife was Lutheran and their children were baptized in the Lutheran faith. I never had a problem with that. To me, as long as you serve and love God in the way you choose, is much, much better than not at all.
This was a rare experience for me so I soaked in everything as I watched and learned about this new clerical species. “Hmmmm,” I thought, “She’s gotta be good and have what it takes or she wouldn’t be here! And, all the way from Finland, I understand.”
So, my first meeting with Tuula went a little slow and casual and I never thought much more about it till much later. That “much later” was when my son died. And I saw how compassionate and understanding she was. She was always there for each of us. I know that is part of a Pastor’s job. But there was something more. It was her caring and loving manner that came forth and it was very sincere. She was there for my son’s wife, his two children, and she even pulled up both sleeves and helped clean out his apartment and moved furniture and EVERYTHING! Wonder Woman was on the scene!
At my son’s funeral, she did the eulogy. She told me things about him that I never knew. How involved he became in Church activities. The little things that really made a difference. That eulogy was the most impacting thing that happened to me, ever! Family members totally filled the church that day and afterwards, we all gathered at my brother-in-law’s house. The main topic of discussion was Pastor Tuula. My brother-in-law even said,” That PastorTuula is great! If I would ever go back to church again, I would go to the Third Lutheran Church just to hear that woman speak!”
Funny, how you wait until someone is gone or is leaving, before you discover who they really are and how much they mean to you and how much they do for their Church family. And they always do these things without notice.
I also watched Tula get involved with other members of her church. I got so inspired just getting her e-mails and telling us how one of the members needed our prayers or how another could use our help. That woman was everywhere, a “Johnny on the spot, gal.” The Little Church seemed to have LIFE when she was around. Her presence was always known, even though she is no bigger than a drink of water. And that heartwarming smile! She filled up the church with that smile….
Yes, Tuula, my heart is crying because you will be leaving The Little Church. But, I am happy for you and your family! “A man’s got to do what a man’s got to do” as Popeye would say as he ate his spinach out of a can. So, I guess Tuula has to do what she has to do and I wish her the very best. Remember, friend, you are moving only to another location but you will never move from our hearts. You have friends here and we love you.
