Words from the Office
Last Thursday marked my official induction into The Cool Club.
“How?” you ask. Good question.
Well, after climbing three (yes, three) sets of weary, worn, wobbly ladders, I finally made it onto the roof of the church to help assemble and erect our famous star. I had attempted this once before, in 2023, but after seeing the treacherous climb involved, I chose to err on the side of caution and keep my feet on solid ground. This time, though, I was determined to make it to the top and do my part.
As much as the saying “teamwork makes the dream work” is true, the real credit goes to our resident daredevils—Ike, George, and Doug. They did the heavy lifting (just like God does for us), while I helped hoist a few cross-section pieces and catch some lightbulbs that had burned out which we replaced. It made me feel quite handy, though I’m far from ever being mistaken for Tim “The Toolman” Taylor. Still, as Scripture reminds us, “faith without works is dead” (James 2:19), so it felt good to peek over the Maplewood neighborhood from the rooftop’s lofty view. It was spooky—but I did it, and I’ve lived to tell the tale. That’s my story and I am sticking to it.
Speaking of stories, Luanne tenHarmsel has one to tell as well. I hope you’ll take some time to get to know her, as she recently rejoined the church. After meeting with her, the elders were able to, according to RCA polity, simply reaffirm her membership (I think that’s the technical term) since she actually grew up here at Maplewood. Her parents, Lambert and Clarissa (“Chris”) Haveman, were longtime members.
Luanne is awesome! As I mentioned during Sunday’s liturgy to welcome her “back home,” she’s an introspective, kind soul with deep wisdom, rich experiences, and many talents to share. She has three adult children and several grandchildren, not to mention one of the neatest hobbies I’ve heard of lately: making greeting cards. In 2010, after 37 years of marriage, Luanne’s husband, Lee, passed away from cancer at age 60. While reacquainting her with Maplewood as we exist today, I reminded her that one of our many strengths is the presence of several widows, who know the complications of adjusting to such an absolutely life-altering loss. Through all our varied hardships and blessings, one truth remains: we’re better together than apart.
Since officiating her mother’s 2024 memorial service at Maplewood, I’ve checked in on Luanne from time to time, as I do with our members and many people who aren’t. Eventually, she shared feeling convicted to reconnect with a local congregation—knowing it’s what’s best for her: having a pastor to shepherd her, people to serve alongside, and a place to rest and be renewed. Between her husband’s passing, the pandemic, and the busyness of life, it’s easy to drift—but she’s chosen to come back someplace where she can be herself and grow.
I want Luanne to know how proud I am of her. It takes attentive, courageous self-reflection to not only recognize our spiritual and relational needs, but to respond in a way aligned with Scripture. It’s never too late to adopt that kind of posture. I know you’ll help Luanne feel right at home in this old but familiar place called Maplewood.
Being as “small but mighty” as we are, we need everyone’s gifts, graces, and presence to do the work God’s calling us to. As for me, I’m not exactly excited about the coming winter months—but at least I won’t have to watch squirrels boxing on my porch anymore or flinging nuts everywhere!
- Pastor James
