David Bahn – Reflections

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In 1968 Jerry Snell opened a door in the hallway outside our first hour chemistry class. He invited me into what I discovered was a darkroom. Soon I was on the school newspaper and annual staff as a photographer. Later I learned that Jerry was a Lutheran who was planning to become a pastor. A few years later I was not only a Lutheran, but I was heading off to seminary to become a Lutheran pastor, too. Jerry followed a year later and served as a pastor in Missouri until his untimely heart attack and death. I thank God for Jerry and enjoy photography still today – not to mention rejoicing in having served as a Lutheran pastor in congregations in Utah, Colorado, Arkansas and Texas. I’ve retired now and serve part time as a Congregational Support Specialist for the Texas District of the LCMS. I also provide coaching and leadership training through various PLI cohorts and with individual congregations and organizations. David Bahn is a follower of Jesus Christ, husband to Diane, father and grandfather. He is an avid amateur photographer. His photo website is “Flowers by God Photos by David” He also publishes a devotional blog DavidBahn-Reflections.com. He and Diane live in Cypress Texas and enjoy visiting their grandchildren who live in the United States and Germany. He graduated from Concordia Theological Seminary in 1979, and earned a Doctor of Ministry degree from Fuller Theological Seminary in 1991. Diane, his wife, is now retired from PLI (PLIleadership.org). They have offered presentations on Marriage and Ministry Partnership, Leadership, Changing Your Congregation’s Culture, and Missional Living. They look are working with PLI International training pastors and wives of the ELVD Diocese of the Lutheran Church of Tanzania. David’s personal mission statement is “Leading people to realize Jesus’ calling and plans for their lives.”

Jenny Dolan Memorial Service – Tuesday June 22, 2010

I’ve been on the road or playing catch-up (on work and sleep!) for the past few days. This should have appeared yesterday. I just didn’t get it up until now. I hope you find it edifying.

Shadow Box Display
The shadow box on display and Jenny's memorial service reflects the stained glass window of Immanuel Lutheran Church in St. Charles, Missouri.

Diane’s mother, Jenny Dolan passed away last Saturday. I went to St. Charles for the memorial service late Monday and returned early Wednesday morning to Cypress and St. John. It’s a busy week of VBS with more than 600 children and adults celebrating the High Adventure of God’s calling.

Diane is doing well, as are her dad and sisters. Jenny’s death was sudden and difficult, but she had been significantly struggling for the last 7 months. And, she had a beautiful faith and they have a strong family support system. I’m doing well, too; a bit travel worn, but back in the saddle and ready to greet the days and weeks ahead.

The memorial service was a really wonderful testimony to the Christian faith and hope that was in Jenny’s heart, and passed along to her children. The readings were Psalm 91 (one of several Psalms in her Bible that was marked and underlined in several places), Job 19 (“I know that my Redeemer lives”), 2 Timothy 4:6-8; and John 14:1-6 (John 14:6 was Jenny’s confirmation verse).

They had on display at the memorial service two significant things: Her baptismal certificate – colorful and beautifully handwritten; and a shadow box that Diane and her sisters put together as a gift to her mom containing the baptismal gown Jenny wore (first) and which was worn by several family members (two of our sons) with a list of those who wore it and when.

The service included the hymns:

Jesus Lives! The Victory’s Won

God Loves Me Dearly (I choked back the tears on this one several times)

Sent Fort by God’s Blessing – a celebration of the goodness of God

We are thankful for the well-wishes, kind words, and prayers of many folks and expressions of concern for Diane, her family and me. I’m glad to have gone and now to be back at St. John.

Diane will return probably on Friday.

We thank God for you, and, mostly for the hope of the resurrection and the promise of eternal life:

Christ has died.

Christ has risen.

Christ will come again!

Amen! Come Lord Jesus!

Three Roses
Bob and Jenny had three daughters. They picked three roses from one of the bouquets at the service.

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One response to “Jenny Dolan Memorial Service – Tuesday June 22, 2010”

  1. Barbara & Ken Enoch Avatar
    Barbara & Ken Enoch

    This is a beautiful tribute to Diane’s mother and a keepsake for all. Your photos and description of the Memorial service are very special. Thank you so much for sharing this. God Bless You all. We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers.

    Reply

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