Darlene Dimitrovski, Obituary

 Darlene Reese Dimitrovski Obituary March 30, 2025 - Beggs Funeral Home

I was reading through my blog and came across a 2018 message from my UALC friend Darlene Dimitrovski. We had met in a Bible study many years ago--she was beautiful, joyful and full of the Spirit of God. Life hadn't been easy for her, but her light was always shining.  I remembered she had moved a few years ago and for a while I heard from her regularly via her newsletter.  I included her message in one of my blogs about Praying for our leaders written in 2018.  She died in March 2025.

Collecting My Thoughts: How to pray for friends and family

Church of the Acronym: On praying for our leaders

Collecting My Thoughts: Darlene's prayer for the Border Control

Bible reading

I glanced across the aisle at church today and watched a three year old in her mom's lap. She almost made it to one of our Christmas cards some years ago when she was in the womb. She would have been a fabulous subject, but a different painting of Bob's won out. She had a pew Bible on her legs and was quietly studying the pages, intently moving her little fingers across the page, nodding her head and moving her lips. Perhaps she didn't know the words but in a family of 11 she's got those values down pat, like sharing, forgiving, mercy, justice, helping, caring, loving, trusting and looking to the future.

Julia Danison, founding member of UALC

We sat behind Julia for many years in the early service at UALC.  Also we used to see her in Lakeside where she and some lady friends would visit in the summer.  She also enjoyed winters in Florida.  In 2009 we traveled together to Israel in a "Steps of Paul" tour. A fun lady and a strong Christian. Today at her memorial service we saw many old friends and met her grandchildren. I have a 1976 church photo directory that shows Julie, her husband Don and youngest son Doug (then a little guy) who spoke at the service sharing many memories.

"Julia A. Danison, age 94, passed away peacefully on Sunday, October 5, 2025 with family at her side. She was born on November 6, 1930 in Thornville, Ohio to the late Fred and Esta (Helser) Edmund.

Born and raised in Thornville, Julie was the youngest of three children and the only girl. Julie worked in the local pharmacy and had fond memories of watching an owl that lived outside her bedroom window, leading to a lifelong love of owls.

Julie met Don Danison of Glenford, Ohio, and they were married on June 10, 1951. They moved to Columbus, Ohio, where Julie graduated from Capital University with an Associates Degree in Secretarial Studies. Don’s career took them to Dallas, Texas, and Durham, North Carolina before settling back in Columbus to raise their family.

Don and Julie were charter members of Upper Arlington Lutheran Church. They built deep and lasting, lifelong friendships at church and in the community. Julie loved going to Fort Myers Beach, Florida, where Don and Julie bought a condo. She knew everyone by the pool, and everyone knew Julie.

Julie loved her family. She invested everything she had into being an amazing Wife, Mom, Mom-Mom, Grandma, and Great-Grandma. Even as her memory was failing in her final years, she would regularly say, “I loved being a Mom,” with a bright smile on her face and a glow in her blue eyes.

Julie lost Don in January 1997 and lived for nearly 30 years as a widow. Beneath Julie’s friendliness was an incredibly strong woman who endured despite the loss of her father, a brother, her best friend, and her husband all at young ages.

Julie will be greatly missed by her three children and their spouses, Deb (Bill), Dean (Tracey), and Doug (Joy), along with her eight grandchildren Samantha, Jacob (Jennifer), Zachary (Allie), James, Andy, Naomi, Saideh, and Matthew; and her five great-grandchildren Brooklyn, Ethan, Owen, Hunter, and Brayden.

A memorial service for Julie will be held at 1 p.m. October 28, followed by a reception, at Upper Arlington Lutheran Church, 2300 Lytham Road, Columbus, Ohio 43220. All who loved Julie are welcome to attend. Private interment will occur at a later time at UALC Columbarium, where Julie will be laid to rest alongside her beloved Don.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Upper Arlington Lutheran Church. Julia Danison Obituary - Columbus, OH

Brunch with the Bible study group

This morning our Bible study group gathered at Sunny Street Cafe on Reed Rd (breakfast and brunch only). Madelaine and I exited our cars at the same time and walked in together while a carload nearby was also opening doors and gathering its group. We met one other member inside and were chatting while waiting for our table to be cleared when the woman who had been in the other car ran into the cafe screaming--"Is there a doctor here--we need help." Before I could even turn my head to look, a man rushed from his table and ran out the door. It seems while she was taking her child out of the rear car seat the toddler was choking on something. Meanwhile, our group continued to gather while noticing what was happening behind them, and other customers began to go outside to see what was happening. Part of our little group began to pray in the entry way; within minutes we heard the siren and the squad arrived just as the child rallied and became alert in the arms of the rescuer. We all had a wonderful meal and talked of many things, but somewhere in Columbus tonight a mother holds her little one extra close.

A follow up on VBS at UALC

 This note was sent to the congregation:

"In the midst of June's heat wave, UALC had the opportunity to welcome people from all across Columbus to the Oasis of God's kingdom that we call our church home. Each day, nearly 240 adult and teen volunteers were able to welcome about 650 children and their families to Mill Run for Young Kids and Big Kids VBS. From greeting participants in the parking lot to singing on the stage, each volunteer role played a huge part in welcoming these families into the house of the Lord and assuring them that we could dwell in this space with our good shepherd forever!

During our week of VBS we had the opportunity to see a special kind of spiritual growth form in the lives of the children who attended Big Kids VBS. They worked on memorizing ten different verses from David's portion of the Psalter (including the six verses of Psalm 23), heard David's story with a fresh perspective on his journey from shepherd to king, learned how his story points forward to the work of Jesus Christ, and explored the very character of our Lord as they heard Jesus' invocation of the title "good shepherd." Conversations sparked all over the place about trusting God as we walk through difficult things, being able to go to him in prayer, trusting Jesus to walk with us into school buildings, onto soccer fields, or in friendships and family relationships.

While all the excitement of Big Kids swarmed the building, 180 preschoolers and their parents were singing, dancing, and shouting Jesus' name in the Fellowship Hall! Our Young Kids VBS program was full and thriving this year. Each morning, kids from birth to five years filed into the building with their parents and guardians to be led by 22 amazing teens in songs, crafts, games, and worship. They saw the story of King David played out on stage, heard the gospel over and over, and had the words of scripture sewn into their hearts throughout the week. There were many parents there who had participated in VBS as a teen or as a child, and they brought their kids to experience the fun. There were also many parents there who don't have a church home or didn't know the gospel, and they got an invitation into Jesus' family. After YKVBS each day, preschool parents gathered on the playground for free iced coffee and play time, as well as time to connect with each other and our church staff.

One of the best parts of the week was watching the confidence of the preschoolers grow each day. In the first two days of learning songs and motions, they generally stayed close by their grown up's side. But by the end of the week, there was a huge group of preschoolers gathered together at the edge of the stage, dancing their hearts out, confident in their worship, shouting out "He's my good, good shepherd!" It was a beautiful picture of heaven and the uninhibited worship that our hearts and bodies are made for."

Final performance for VBS

Don't you just love seeing the kiddoes after a week or two of VBS? I don't recall the exact numbers, but I think the pastor said ca. 650 kids and maybe 250 volunteer teens and adults. But we had some performances in church today with many decked out in their VBS Psalm 23 (theme) t-shirts. I wish I'd pulled out my camera. Our service is still on the move so we're worshiping back at a local school. The little ones did some songs for us, and when they were finished we saw the boys jump off the stage and the girls walk carefully down the steps. Some things don't change. Tonight the church is having a dinner in the park (we're too tired to go--birthday party for a friend) to pray for the local, national and world events. This is a good week to do that! https://www.ualc.org/visit

Church council meeting Sunday April 27

 After 9 am church service and Sunday School at Windermere school we drove across the river to have lunch with our Mill Run brothers and sisters and had a congregational meeting. Church Council | UALC

Pep talk on how long the remodeling is taking.  I think we only have the school two more Sundays. Elected new members and had Q & A. 

Where the money went--about 20% to missions. 620454_e830e5a3ebad4a179e53c71d7c5cc867.pdf

Operation Christmas Child

Message from UALC: We pray for each shoebox that will be brought to Mill Run this week, from our church and other churches in the area. We pray for the journey of the shoeboxes and the individuals involved in getting them to the children. May the contents of these boxes bring necessities, as well as items of joy and fun to each recipient. We pray for the children and families whose lives will be impacted by the contents, and the message of God and his love.

There will be many more, but this was the stack on November 16, 2024.

Election prayer in our church newsletter

This prayer appeared in our church newsletter.

"Almighty God, we pray for peace on this upcoming Election Day. Protect our polling places and election workers, and make them places and people of peace.

We pray that the voting process will be straightforward, safe, and fair for everyone.

We pray, God, that you would bless each candidate with wisdom and grace as they seek positions of power and authority. Grant our leaders humble and virtuous hearts. We pray for our nation. May we come together for the common good and do as you require - to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with you, our God. Amen."

OK. It's nice. Who couldn't pray that--either party, even the non-voters, even immigrants and foreigners, tourists and children. But. . . here's the thing. Jesus is coming back--he said so. He described it in the words of Matthew 25. Scary stuff for a voter. He will come in his glory, and all the angels with him . . . now that's something to see! And it just doesn't sound like a Kum by ya (come by here) moment. All the nations will be gathered and Jesus is going to separate the sheep from the goats with the blessed inheriting the kingdom that has been prepared from the foundation of the world (see Genesis for details). 

Then the shocker. Jesus says "Come" to those who have already been hanging out with him--even without knowing it--those who gave him food, water, clothing and welcomed him!

 
That's where I'm finding welcoming the unborn and caring for them in the Bible if your church tradition says abortion isn't addressed in the Bible. I think it's clear. There's no one more vulnerable and helpless and in need of a visit from a friend than those in the womb. The King of the Universe accompanied by the hosts of heaven came as a humble, naked, hungry baby, he came as your neighbor, so why would you the voter deny him for a political ideology of a woman's right to choose?

 
National elections come around every 4 years. I may not be here for the next one, and it's quite possible this issue won't be either. Another 4 years of abortion on demand and to term and beyond and this nation may culturally and morally be a very different place. This may be my last chance to be visiting with Jesus and the angels before he comes back.

Vacation Bible School beautiful art at UALC Mill Run

After Sunday School on July 28 (Lytham Rd. congregation at Windermere school while our regular space is being remodeled) we drove to our church's other location, Mill Run, which is in Hilliard, to look at the art of the VBS Kindergarten-fifth grade. The theme was Jesus' parables and the children made 2 things in their art time--puppets and theater curtains.

 
When VBS was over the curtains were saved and hung in the upper level. The best view was standing at the end of the corridor and taking in the explosion of color. Like the parables, "the curtains REVEAL (open) and show the drama and they also CONCEAL (close) and hide it. They create anticipation. They help our hearts lean toward the truth. The stage curtain is open or closed and the meaning of the parable is open or closed depending on the readiness of the hearts in the audience. It's by grace that our hearts become ready to hear God's word with faith."

  

I think (I don't teach and have no one in those classes) they emphasized treasure, thus all the glam and glitter and jewels woven into the curtains. “The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and hid; and for joy over it he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.” It's difficult for adults to understand Jesus' parables, so perhaps this will start them on a study and discussion that could go on and on.

We were both impressed, not only with the message, but by the effort (by the adult volunteers and teachers). To make these people donated necklaces, earrings, bracelets and weaving fabric for the children to create the 12 curtains. 

I enjoyed art as a child, but hated "group" or "team" projects. I would have been the one complaining waiting for recess. I was artistic and always had to pull the others along. We think of that as relatively new--but we were doing it in the 1940s too. That said, I still have one VBS project I made when I was about 8 and we attended Faith Lutheran in Forreston, IL. Bookends made of wood with a cross on them. When I look at them now, I can remember all the adults who were working behind the scenes, because it was quite complex (involved wood burning, painting, and varnishing to preserve it). So even though I could say, "I did that," and take it home, there was a whole lot of labor in it that wasn't mine. God bless those VBS teachers (who learn more than the kids).

If you'd like to see it, the display will be up the rest of the summer. http://ualc.org

A message from Pastor Turnbull--God holds the future

 Our senior pastor, Steve Turnbull, sent this e-mail this afternoon addressing the assassination attempt on President Trump.

"First, as we prayed in our services this morning, let us be faithfully in prayer for President Trump, his staff and his family, and for the families of those killed, injured and traumatized in the attack. Let us also be praying for President Biden and all other candidates for office at our city, state and national level. What we witnessed brings home the danger these public servants put themselves in, and it is right for us to pray for their safety, and for comfort for them and loved ones who now face greater fear. And let’s be praying for our nation – for peace, kindness, and neighborliness even through this election cycle where differences of opinion are strong. This is a moment where we as a country can seek both repentance and healing. I'm certainly praying for this, and I invite you to join me.   

That leads into the challenge I have for you: as a congregation, let us practice the love of our neighbors as a witness to a hurting world. Comfort and care for your friends, relatives and neighbors – maybe especially those with whom you disagree. Jesus has called us to love our neighbors, and our enemies, and we as believers ought to lead the way as the nation reckons with the dire consequences of hatred, division and violence. I challenge myself, first, and then you to be intentionally Christlike in your thoughts, actions, and online engagement in this election season ahead of us. Our neighbors need this from us.  

Finally, I want to share with you a word of hope. Last night, we went to sleep in a world that felt very uncertain. This morning we woke up in the same world, but we gathered across the country and around the world to worship God who Scripture says, “holds all things together” (Col. 1:17). In Psalm 95, it says, “For the Lord is a great God, and a great King above all gods. In his hand are the depths of the earth; the heights of the mountains are his also.” While we may not know the future, or be able to control the outcome of historical events, our God can and does. He holds together this fragile, broken world, and he holds the future. " 

Depolarization of Christians during this political climate

Our church is offering an educational unit on "Depolarization" to help members face the increasing divisions especially in the current election cycle using the Bible as a guide. Call it a polarizing subject, but abortion is at the top of my list. I don't want to nor will I attempt to bridge the gap between me and a Democrat, a Christian, a fellow member of the body of Christ, who voted twice to push through the abortion issues which passed this year in Ohio. A change in our state constitution to "protect the rights of women." And let's just throw in a recent side issue of men in women's sports and locker rooms bill, a bill which DOES NOT protect women, but which would allow continued mutilation of children, aka "affirming care." A bill which Republicans in the legislature needed to override the veto of our so called Republican governor, Mike DeWine.

Actually, I haven't heard too many conservatives complain about the divisions and polarization in our country--they seem to know that liberals are feeling some guilt and anxiety about the wars, the border, and abortion available to the last day, and THAT's causing them to see a profound chasm of the Democrats own creation. It's not the party they signed on to 30-40 years ago, nor the party I left almost 25 years ago. It's not for me to close the gap or wave the white flag.

Congregational meeting and Dave Mann's retirement

When we began attending UALC in 1974 we met a young couple who were students at Luther Seminary in Bexley, Dave and Pam Mann (although she might have been his fiancée still). He was hired to be the Middle School minister. He had long blond hair and played the guitar. He's also a great organist.  He was sort of in an out -- he became our missionary to Cameroon in Africa. Instead of raising support as many missionaries have to do, our church kept them "on staff." We watched their four children grow up and eventually they returned to the U.S. (must have been some culture shock) where he rejoined our local staff with the usual ministerial responsibilities. In a few years he took a position at Institution Univers in Ouanaminthe, Haiti for about a decade, then returning to UALC where he was in charge of our international ministry. Bob participated in the Haiti short term ministry for 10 trips and taught in the school there.  Pam is a fabulous artist and contributed to so many of our in house art projects and quilt ministry, and also for many years she was a leader in the church's aerobic classes.  They retired at the end of 2023, and today was the celebration for their years of service and best wishes for their next adventure.

Dave and Pam were in Haiti during the terrible earthquake in 2010, and although Ouanaminthe was not hit, his school took in many students from the damaged area.  On his Facebook page he wrote:

"The day began with an all-school worship service. I was privileged to give the message. It was not difficult to find the word that would be right – Ours is a God who knows how to transform evil into good. The story of Joseph which is a key piece of my Bible curriculum in the 10th and 11th grades demonstrates this teaching. As I began to quote Genesis 50:20, many of the students completed the verse with me aloud. And, of course, the cross of Jesus is the ultimate proof that our God is a redeemer. Joseph’s story was not finished when he was in prison. Jesus’ story was not finished in the tomb. Haiti’s story was not finished on January 12th. Our story is not finished today. Our God will have the last word.""

On Easter Sunday 2018 Dave preached and told this story about John and Ali which I recorded in my blog.

"John was having a very busy day, and he passed a black man on Route 23 going north who’d had a flat tire and was attempting to flag someone down. John felt the Lord tap his shoulder but proceeded on as he had a busy schedule. Then he felt a firmer tap, so he turned around to help the stranded motorist. Not only was the tire flat, it was ruined. Not only was it ruined, but the man, Ali, had no money. So John paid for the tire himself, and then installed it for Ali. When they were finished, Ali told him he’d been waiting for two hours and no one had stopped, so why did John stop? “Because I serve the King,” John told him. Then Ali said, he’d like to know about this King that John served. Last Easter Ali was baptized a Christian and joined our Lutheran church. Dave told him that he would experience rejection and even hate from his Muslim community, but God’s love, through John had touched him and he came to know the living Lord."

  

Bob with Pam and Dave in Haiti in 2008

Bob and Pam at the quilt show at UALC in 2019 

Beth Moore doesn't like President Trump or the people who support him

I think our women's group (WOW) at UALC has shown every Beth Moore video available. I wouldn't say she can't speak against Trump--it's in the First Amendment. Even Christians have that right, although to hear the Democrats, you wouldn't think so. She's actually speaking out about Trump supporters. Most of whom are Christians--white, black, brown and Asian.

 
So, she says he's a bully. Shocking, Name me a president, king, monarch, tribal leader, premier, governor, senator, school principal, union leader who isn't at some time during their career as a leader had to be decisive, blunt, argumentative, aggressive, etc. True, he doesn't talk like a lady, "Maybe I'm wrong, but. . ." (I hate it when women start a sentence with that.) Ms. Flotus Obama is back in the spotlight as a possible candidate and she expresses fear; VP Harris is stumping for Biden and she says she's scared to death. Boy, that should really build up the lady parts.

 
But Moore needs to remember who supported the unborn when in office, not by sending a sub, but by showing up. Who said America is Great? Moore needs to recall under which president minorities made REAL financial and career progress, not with CRT and appointments to DEI but with actual gains and real jobs; which president did the most for Israel; Moore needs to comfort a mother or wife who has lost their children or husband in wars and think about Trump's position. Do you think Putin would have attacked Ukraine if Trump had a 2nd term? Did Trump fund the Taliban or Iran?

 
Moore has experienced a lot of lies told by the "other" side and the "good old boys" in Evangelicalism. Now she should recall from whom she gets her information--the mainstream media, the non-profits who are profiting from the border crisis, the DNC, the View, the Obiden puppeteers.

 
Come on, Beth. Do your homework--you certainly asked us to do that for years! You've become rich and famous with those books. If DeSantis or Haley had won that Iowa Caucus, the people you are trusting to form your opinion would be claiming them to be racist, sexist, homophobes who don't believe in pronouns and the right to choose your sex. They would still be denouncing Christianity and the Constitution.

After Iowa Caucuses, Beth Moore Is ‘Plainly Sobered’ by the Fact So Many Republicans ‘Still Hail Trump’ (churchleaders.com)

The January 1 whirlwind

Does anyone else get a big boost of energy on January 1? It's happened before. Today I sorted and tossed old notebooks, set up a new 3-ring for 4 different church groups, baked cookies, packed 2 sacks of clothes I wasn't wearing or which no longer fit to take to Volunteers of America, washed 2 tablecloths and reset the tables, took all Bob's winter sweaters to the basement and washed them, rearranged shelves in the bedroom closet, rearranged drawers in the dresser to accept some new sweaters I got for Christmas, and cleaned out the exercise clothes I wear to the gym. Then tomorrow . . . poof. It will all be gone.

Last night we attended a nice gathering of 10 for a light meal, then went to our church for a jazz concert and a worship service.  We were home by 7:30 and in bed by 9:30 to watch some house hunters on HGTV.

2023 social events, meetings, clubs, and eating out

 The health research shows that older adults need socialization. That's the main reason the Covid lockdown was so hard on us.  The non-Covid deaths were higher than needed to be. Research like this showing the need for socialization was put on the shelf. Social isolation, loneliness in older people pose health risks | National Institute on Aging (nih.gov)   Collecting My Thoughts: Music is good for you, especially in your later years  

Our church, UALC, did not have an active older adult ministry for two years, unless a group met on ZOOM, and reopened in March 2022. Collecting My Thoughts: Older adult ministry at UALC   Collecting My Thoughts: A statement from Pastor Steve Turnbull, UALC, Columbus, Ohio    So when I record my social activities for 2023, I don't list Sunday School (most Sundays), or Women of the Word (fall, winter, spring small study groups using videos and workbooks), or Thursday morning Bible Study (taught by a pastor, often combined with Lenten or Advent services and lunch). Those pre-2020 church programs are in place now and not recorded here.  

I'm also not listing my trips to Lifetime Fitness about 4 times a week.  I do occasionally meet and talk to people there.  Like yesterday.  I met Karen, a very active athletic baby boomers who is recovering from a broken foot playing pickle ball. And you'll be happy I'm not recording grocery store visits to Aldi's and Marc's, or doctors' visits--but those add up and are "outings." These figures are estimates, although most I have recorded in my journal.

Dinners with friends and family at our home: 9

Dinners at friends' homes: 12 

Dinner or lunch with friends at restaurants (most often Rusty Bucket): 15

Dinner with Phoebe and Mark at restaurants (most often Rusty Bucket): 13

Party or Picnic: 9 

Art gathering: 13

OSU Librarians retirees' lunch: 3

Lenten/Advent worship/lunch at UALC: 6

Concerts: 9 (including a Jazz concert on Dec. 31, 2023)

Travel (Arizona, Indianapolis, Lakeside, D.C., Oberlin: 8

Funerals or visitations: 7

Coffee dates with friends: 11

Book Club: 6

House guests: 1 week

Congregational meeting: 2

Condo meeting: 2

Book Club December 2023

Condo Christmas Party, Wine Bistro, Lane Ave. 

Tulamo Visit, October 2023

July 4 party with neighbors

Visit with Bob's sister, Indianapolis, July

Fall Fest at UALC

Our church had a party to welcome autumn and invited the neighbors. We didn't go--it's difficult for us to stand for long periods of time, but it sounds like everyone had a good time on September 17. Here's Becki Bork's note:

"We give thanks and praise to God for a wonderful Fall Fest! The weather was perfect and the Mill Run property was filled with people both from the congregation and the surrounding community! Kids were bouncing on inflatables, running through a mountain of bubbles, making and flying kites, playing miniature golf; adults filled the pickleball courts and euchre tables in friendly competition; all ages were enjoying popcorn, cotton candy and sno-cones, and many took time to sit down for dinner from the food trucks, talking with friends and meeting new people. It was a beautiful time of being a welcoming Oasis. Praise God! "

UALC harvesting for souls

 I don't garden, can't even keep a houseplant alive. But I'm so impressed with the gardeners at our church, UALC. The healthy, fresh produce is donated, plus the workers who come from many cultures get to enjoy too.

 

Clara Mellem, 1930-2023, dear friend from church

"With deep sorrow, we announce that Clara Bernetta Mellum, nee Braaten, passed away Wednesday, March 29, 2023, at her home in Columbus, Ohio, surrounded by her loving husband, Reuben, of 66 years and her children. Clara was 92 years of age. In addition to her husband, Reuben, Clara is survived by her children, Mark (Bev), Steven (Jean), and Mary (Ken), along with nine grandchildren, ten great-grandchildren, sisters-in-law Joyce Braaten and Gladys Mellum and many nieces and nephews. Clara was preceded in death by her daughter-in-law, Kerri, and her grandson, Andy. She was also preceded in death by her parents, Ben and Clara Braaten, along with brothers, Newman, Iver, Boyd, and Norris, sisters Gladys, Adeline, and Bernice, sisters-in-law Ella and Ardith, and brothers-in-law Maurice and Les.

Clara was born on May 3, 1930, in Wyndmere, North Dakota. She was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith at Gol Aal Lutheran Church, near Wyndmere. She grew up on the family farm and attended grade school at Garborg Township District 4. She graduated from Wahpeton High School in 1948. Clara earned a Bachelor's degree at Concordia College in Moorhead, Minnesota, where she met her husband, Reuben. Her teaching career started at a country school in North Dakota and continued with an elementary teaching position in the Twin Cities area. Clara and Reuben were united in marriage in Wyndmere on August 12, 1956.

After their marriage, Clara joined Reuben at the church parsonage in the Norway Lake area near New London, Minnesota. Their first son, Mark, was born in 1957, and in 1960, the young family moved to Breckenridge, Minnesota to serve Breckenridge Lutheran Church. Here, Clara's and Reuben's other two children, Steven and Mary, were born. After moving from Breckenridge in 1974, Clara and Reuben served two other churches, one in Pemberville, Ohio, and one in St. Clair Shores, Michigan. Wherever she lived, Clara served as a teacher in the public school system. In Pemberville, Clara taught migrant farmworkers' children and eventually directed that program. In St. Clair Shores, Clara was a substitute teacher for ten years until she and Reuben retired.

Upon their retirement, Clara and Reuben relocated to Columbus, Ohio, where they joined Upper Arlington Lutheran Church. Clara volunteered at the church's Clothes Closet as well as other volunteer opportunities, while Reuben served as a visitation pastor. At the time of her death, Clara and Reuben were living at the Forum at Knightsbridge in Columbus.

Throughout her life, Clara found joy in spending time with her family, which she treasured above anything else. She was eager to help her family in any endeavor. She enjoyed baking, cooking and volunteering at her church. Clara especially loved to carry on cherished family recipes for such things as Norwegian lefse, krumkake, and spritz cookies. She brought her rolls and cinnamon buns to countless family gatherings and enjoyed sharing her knowledge of baking and sewing with others.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, April 14, 2023, at Upper Arlington Lutheran Church on Lytham Road in Upper Arlington at 11:00 AM. Visitation will be at the church from 10:00 am - 11:00 am, with a lunch following the service. Interment will be at the columbarium at the church.''

Clara Mellum Obituary - Columbus, OH (dignitymemorial.com)

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Clara and Reuben joined our church after his retirement and their son Steven lived here. He was our visitation pastor for several years, and we had occasion to call him when our daughter's father in law had an emergency and was in the hospital here in Columbus.  We were guests with them in February 2020 when the Hahms hosted a Valentine dinner (perhaps the last social event before the Covid lockdown that we attended) and each married couple brought their wedding photo.  Clara had the most beautiful wedding dress I've ever seen. We saw them several times at the Hahms who love to host creative and delicious dinners for 6-8 people. Every Sunday we saw Clara and Reuben go up the aisle for communion--they usually sat a few rows behind us.  The last time we saw her was Sunday, March 26, and she died while we were in Arizona March 28-April 4. We had planned a visit at their home in the Forum earlier in March, but we both had colds, so had postponed the visit.  We will miss her gentle ways and friendly smile.

Jesus Revolution and Isaac Watts

I haven't seen the new movie "Jesus Revolution" yet but reading through the history of the movie and the era, I realize it coincided with the years we became involved in the church in the late 1960s, first at First Community Church in 1967, then at Upper Arlington Lutheran Church in 1974, both in suburbs of Columbus, Ohio. So, our participation was more with small service groups within established churches, than with the worship movement. Whether or not we were aware of it, we were participating through prison reform, a fair housing group, marriage encounter groups, Cursillo, and the move at UALC to add a contemporary worship program to the regular Sunday schedule (which we no longer attend) beginning on week-nights crowded into the fireside lounge with guitar music.

 
This morning I was reading about Isaac Watts, born in the 1600s, and who as a teen-ager decided church music was too stuffy and boring and began to write his own hymns, which became very controversial, outraging many older church goers, but which also became extremely popular and spoke to the needs of the people. He wrote over 600 hymns, many we still sing today (Joy to the World, When I survey the wondrous cross), and paved the way for the more prolific Charles Wesley, who wrote thousands of hymns.

The Wesleys, John and Charles, went on to awaken and evangelize our country in the 18th century, and so the tradition of periodic movements to refresh and revitalize Christianity continues. And we saw it again last month in Asbury, KY.