Online Archives

BY SUSAN E. BOEHL

Today, I learned that my friend died. She was one of many Elders of this conference. I had the incredible honor of attending seminary with her and so there was a bond between us that I did not share with many others in this conference. Through my tears of personal loss, I rejoice at heaven?s gain. I know the God who danced when she was born, now dances eternally with her in his arms.

I write this for two reasons. The first is to acknowledge the kind of person I knew as a part of this conference. My friend was a pastor that reflected the face of Christ. She loved unconditionally and forgave the same way.

Though her illness was so painful, she chose to identify with the suffering of Christ and found an intimacy with our Lord that I envied. You could not encounter her and remain the same. She made you want to be a better pastor, a better person, a better Christian and a better friend.

The second reason I tell you this is to acknowledge the kind of person I sometimes see at annual conference. Too often, I think we tend to spend our time with our own class (of Deacons or Elders) or those with whom we went to seminary or those with whom we worked.

At conference, I raise the card to affirm the new deacons and elders. I trust in my colleagues? affirmations, but I think I miss a blessing in not knowing those new partners in ministry, or at least sharing some time with them.

I readily admit that a pastor?s schedule is unbelievably busy. However, it occurs to me that there are many in this conference that have missed the blessing that my friend gave to each life that she touched and each path she crossed.

I purposely have not told you the name of my friend who dances with God now. Her name is Elaine Emeth and she was my friend.

As I described her, perhaps you were thinking of someone you knew and lost in this conference, and that is my point. Our conference is large and diverse and wonderful, united in Christ and filled with unique individuals who bring Christ?s light and love to the world. Life is just too short not to grab opportunities to know and cherish as many brothers and sisters as we can.

We are a family, after all. Perhaps I?ll meet you at conference. I hope we will both take the time and share a few words, a few laughs and more than a few blessings with one another. And given the opportunity, I'm sure I?ll tell you about my friend Elaine.

The Rev. Susan E. Boehl is pastor of the Prospect/Marvin Chapel Charge.