Don Shrumm in his element
What happens when your college roommate and friend of over 40 years comes to visit? Well, you go down memory lane, and, in the case, of reuniting with Don Shrumm you participate in creating a podcast.
Don and I lived together in MacMillan Hall from 1977 to 1981, the year we graduated from Whitworth College (now Whitworth University) in Spokane, WA. In those days, Mac Hall was Whitworth’s equivalent of the Delta Chi fraternity in Animal House (albeit governed by a strict moral code that entailed: No Drinking, No Drugs and No Co-habitation). Skirting the rules and subverting the code was job #1. I mean what are a couple of repressed Presbyterian kids going to do? These days Don is following his call as the Pastor of Genesis Church in Littleton, CO. Knowing Don as I do, it is no surprise that his style of ministry is unconventional, innovative, musically infused and always about pushing his flock to expand their minds and hearts. On top of that, Don has mastered the art of the podcast, combining a background in radio with his audio/visual media mixing, production and artistic skills. His work is posted at Faith Biscuits, and I highly recommend taking a look/listen.
During his visit, Don and I sat down one afternoon and reminisced about our experiences at Whitworth and also talked about my conversion to Judaism. Don said he would edit the material to make us sound smart, and he certainly succeeded in creating a series of three polished podcasts, but I’m less sure that he delivered on the smart part. That’s not his fault … after all he was dealing with bat-shit-crazy-after-all-these-years source material.
I am grateful for the talent and creativity that led to the creation of the following podcasts. They capture precious memories and remind me that the bonds of friendship forged in the crucible of our lives not only stand the test of time but build understanding and meaning, helping us interpret who we are and how we got from there to here. So, without further ado, I present Don Shrumm’s Chapter of Mark, parts 1, 2 and 3.
I also wish everyone a happy Chanukah and a Merry Christmas. This Jew will be celebrating both with gusto and a grateful heart.
This Life ... the Best of Them? 