September 13 Greetings

Dear Ones,

Here is a post shared by my good friend, Dan Gibson. Pastor Dan and I met when I was part of the board of Lutheran Campus Ministry at University of Southern California. We called Pastor Dan to be the campus pastor at USC and we worked together for several years in the ministry there. Dan has since earned a Doctorate of Ministry at Claremont School of Religion, has gone on to gain all the certification necessary to become an addiction counselor, and is now working with young people who struggle with addiction and recovery. Recently, he had a big health scare that resulted in brain surgery and a lengthy recovery. This summer he conducted what he called his, “Back from the Dead Endless Summer Tour” as he filled in as pulpit supply at Lutheran churches across Southern California. I love Pastor Dan so much and this little story gives some insight into why.

This past week, I was sitting in the lobby of my doctor’s office waiting to be seen. The room was totally empty. Suddenly, the door off to the left side that leads to the examination rooms opened up, and an elderly woman in a wheelchair appeared, steered by her elderly husband. When they arrived near the exit, he halted, went around, opened the door, let her wheel herself out, and then followed. All at once, I felt the sharp jab of an elbow going straight into my gut, and the voice of my dad sternly saying: “Next time you get up off your a*s! You know better than that, Dan.” I sat frozen, staring straight ahead. I thought to myself: “What was I thinking? I must have blanked out or something!” About 10 minutes later, an elderly man appeared at the examination door in a walker, with his dutiful wife, close behind him. This time, I sprang to my feet, hastened to the door, and opened it up for them. They both graciously thanked me and went on their way.

This is a true story, at least, as I perceived it. The moral, for me, is this: It’s not about me bemoaning the loss of respect and decency in our world today – but that, “I know better”.

The truth is that we all know better, but sometimes we just get so focused on ourselves that doing the kind thing goes undone. This week I have been noticing the small acts of kindness that we do for each other.

I watched people holding the gate for each other at the Yavapai County Fair, and I made sure that I gave a big smile and enthusiastic “Thank You” to the person who held the gate to the animal barn for me. The person’s face lit up, I was grateful, and the person felt appreciated. Care and respect go a long way. The little things do make a difference. Jesus knew that and modeled it for us. Here’s a picture of the gates at the fair!

Finally, all of you, have unity of spirit, sympathy, love for one another, a tender heart, and a humble mind.

1 Peter 3:8

Blessings,

Pr. Tricia

Emmanuel Lutheran Church

Prescott Valley, AZ

If you haven’t, please make sure you RSVP to the church office ASAP for this Sunday’s 30^th Anniversary 10am worship service and celebration luncheon! Don’t forget to bring a dessert to share!

Please consider making a $30 contribution (or multiples of 30) to the Emmanuel Lutheran Endowment! It’s a great way to honor the occasion of the 30^th Anniversary and help Emmanuel grow our Endowment Fund for many years of service to our community to come!