Dear Church Family,
This week we gathered to celebrate the lives of two treasured members of our church family; Donna Potratz Mollenhauer and June Williams. I never met Donna, but her service and participation to our ministry is legendary. At her Celebration of Life about 70 people gathered to share stories and love for this remarkable woman. I learned she had 12 children, 6 step-children, 45 grandchildren and 43 great grandchildren. While the conversations and stories began as all the ways she touched world through raising her family and her practice as domestic engineer all the way until she experienced a stroke and was unable to care for self. At that point her step daughter, Vera, became her care giver. Then the conversation morphed into thanks and praise. Many of the children Donna gave birth to were publicly thanking and praising Vera for the loving care and devotion to her step-mother. It was a moment of pure love and appreciation that I soaked in and fed my spirit. I feel great gratitude for Donna, and her husband Ray, for all the ways they served God through our ministry.
I am writing this before June William’s Celebration of Life. I will be leaving directly after her service for New Mexico where I am honored to officiate the wedding of Toni Patchell to Sebastian. (I’m sure Sebastian has a last name, but so far all I know is his first.)
I’m looking forward to June’s service as it will give me an opportunity to see some of her children and grandchildren I’ve already met, and meet others I have heard lots of stories about.
I had the honor of visiting June weekly at the care home she lived at. June and I were already friends before that transpired, but those weekly visits were precious to us both. She shared many stories and insights about her life. And as a thespian (actor) her stories were delightful, poignant and real.
She usually shared her chocolates with me, she’s was always well stocked on snacks and treats. She also shared her contemplations – we had many heart-to-heart talks about life, death, and spirit.
Like Donna, June was a pillar of this ministry. And I am very grateful for their service and legacy. Donna primarily served in making our ministry a home for all to gather, celebrate Spirit, and be lovingly nurtured. June served as a leader through teaching and praying – holding the highest vision for unfolding.
They remind me that we all take part in this great experience called ministry. They remind us what it is like to be in a church family. And they inspire us to keep the legacy of God’s love and power alive in our hearts and minds. God bless you, Donna & June, and thank you.
Many blessings,
Pastor Robert