Pastor hopes service helps family-and the rest of us-deal with tragedy
(Published Thursday, January 18, 2007 11:29:24 AM CST)
A d v e r t i s e m e n t
By Frank Schultz Gazette staff
Churches have a history of opening their doors to those in need.
Saturday, Janesville's First Lutheran Church will offer solace to those suffering from shock, fear and anger in the wake of a triple murder.
First Lutheran Pastor Jim Melvin offered his services and his church's space when he heard the Lentz family needed them.
The funeral of Danyetta Lentz and her teenage children, Nicole Lentz and Scott Lentz, is set for 2 p.m. Saturday at First Lutheran, 612 N. Randall Ave. The visitation also will be at the church, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
"I didn't want to see them in the lurch at all, and we have a large sanctuary that could accommodate the grieving process, and I know that there is a large number of kids from school that are grieving," Melvin said.
Scott and Nicole attended Janesville Parker High School.
Melvin met with Danyetta's surviving family members as he prepared to speak on Saturday. He said his first concern is that the family's needs are met.
"And they're very open to that, so they can grieve the way they should in extremely difficult circumstances," Melvin said.
"I'm also concerned with the young people at Parker and the community and how do we deal with the fear and the trauma," Melvin said. "It seems like in some way the whole community is reacting to this, and that's expected. It's our job to help us process that in any way we can."
Melvin is arranging for someone from Parker and a co-worker of Danyetta's to speak at the service. Funeral director Brian Hansen is also hoping to provide live music.
Melvin said that when he speaks, it's important he acknowledge the tragedy honestly and acknowledge people's fears and anger. Then he'll address how faith can help people move beyond those emotions.
"We acknowledge the evil in the world, but the question for us is how do we deal with that, and I think the service itself is part of the way," Melvin said.
Melvin, who has ministered to his congregation here for 17 years, said he must be sensitive to the fact that people attending the funeral come from different faiths, but his message will be centered in his Christian tradition.
First Lutheran holds about 1,000 in its sanctuary. Melvin said he expects a crowd, considering family, friends and acquaintances, including many from school.
"And I think there are a lot of other people who need to deal with their feelings, so that number might increase," Melvin said.
Curiosity-seekers might come, too, but that's generally not a problem, Melvin said.
"You generally don't know who they are. I don't foresee any problems in that regard. But you know, it's part of human nature."
And perhaps even the curious have needs that a funeral service could meet, he said.
Melvin expressed the hope that the funeral could help the whole community deal with the loss.
"It's a celebration of these people's lives and a way to give hope to the family and the rest of us," he said.
Choir won't perform at funeral
Funeral director Brian Hansen had tried to arrange for a Parker High School choir to sing at the funeral service for the slain Lentz family.
Nicole Lentz, 17, sang in the school choir.
But school authorities said no.
Parker Principal Dale Carlson reacted with a prepared statement when asked why not:
"The district believes it is not appropriate for a school choir to perform at a funeral service that includes a religious focus and is held in a church.
"It has been the past practice of the district to not participate as the process moves into the faith community and as the faith community takes over to assist with the healing process for the family."
