A down-in-the-mouth older gentleman I once knew in Idaho sagaciously told his grandson: “There are two kinds of people in the world, so save your money.” This advice left me shaking my head, wondering its intended meaning. My most memorable two-kinds-of-people advice came from hilarious Bill Murray in the movie “What About Bob?” — those who like Neil Diamond, and those who don’t. It turns out that the line has been showing up in the movies since the 1960s, always with a different bent.
This week I opined that there are two kinds of people in the world: those who care and those who don’t — simplistic, but in its most basic form, maybe some truth to it.
The reason for my thinking was twofold. Early in the week, I learned of a very unkind act perpetrated by an apparently uncaring person upon another for no good reason. Later, I went to visit the subjects of my column for this week and found the other kind of people: those who care.
Duane and Holly Scheideman moved to Mazama in mid-July in the middle of COVID to assume the pastorate of the Mazama Community Church. After the departure of long-time Village Missionaries Randy and Lisa Picklesimer and the arrival of the coronavirus, the church and its congregation experienced an emptiness that has now been filled with the Scheidemans.
Duane and Holly Scheideman at the Mazama Community Church parsonage with their big dog Buck.
Small town and rural churches have special needs that are addressed across the nation by an organization called Village Missions. Its goal is to aid in developing a strong sense of spirituality by placing pastors in small churches that might have to close their doors without active missionary leadership. Scheidemans moved here from their last assignment in Chesaw, Washington. Holly says, if you blink you’ll miss the little burg.
Duane and Holly are a perfect fit for Mazama. They love outdoor activities and have a deep appreciation for the beauty that surrounds them here. They are working diligently to buoy up their congregants during the difficult days that have become inherent in the year 2020. They both exude a genuine spirit evidenced in Duane’s clear blue eyes and in Holly’s infectious smile.
Mazama Community Church is non-denominational. Indoor services are being held with social distancing and mask-wearing. Pastor Duane is currently speaking each week out of the Bible book of Ephesians. Appropriately for today for those who care, Ephesians 4:32, in part, reads: “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other…”
The Scheideman children are now adults with their own families, so Buck, a very large, friendly dog, is the object of Duane and Holly’s doting. Duane breeds roses — working to perfect an old-fashioned, cold hardy, repeat blooming rose — in the space vacated by Lisa Picklesimer’s chocolate kitchen. Holly is thrilled with her garden space. Excited to be here, it certainly can be said of the Scheidemans that where Mazama’s delectable chocolates once were created, everything is coming up roses!
