The Pastor's Corner for July, 2019

This is a unique time in my life and in the life of Diana and Will. Retiring is not a word that we had in our vocabulary, but with recent events in our life we felt it was time. So, our journey takes on a different direction and so far, it has been an amazing exodus for us. House hunting and finally a house purchase. Painting walls and putting down new flooring. Buying appliances and eventually getting a new roof. After twenty-two years of parsonage life (a good life) walking into a Menards has a whole different feel to it.

But retiring is also, like a lot of other things in life, is bittersweet. As I learned working as a Hospice volunteer that whenever there is a loss this is grief. You may think that we have moved enough times that it would be a normal part of our life to say goodbye. It is not! We are not only saying goodbye to a wonderful community of people but also a way of life. I for one was not ready for the grief associated with the word retire. It was a lot like a ton of bricks hitting me or someone very dear in my life had passed away. I am thankful that the Iowa Annual Conference has allowed me the privilege to minister to two small churches to ease my separation anxiety. But if it weren’t for those two churches, I would have to find some way to minister to God’s children as I know God is calling me to serve and to love. 

All of you have made our lives better in so many ways. Your love and hospitality have made impressions on our souls and enriched our lives in so many ways. These are the things we will miss, but we will also carry the memories in our hearts as we share the gifts and lessons you have given us with others. We pray, we have given all of you something to carry on to friends and neighbors to make other’s lives better in the name of Jesus.

On June 28th we will be loading up the rest of our possessions and sadly saying goodbye to a great congregation and community and on June 29th we will be starting over in a new community. As you will be saying goodbye to us and the next will be saying hello to your new pastor. It is an exciting time as you need and get to know Pastor Carolyn and her husband and discover what God has in store for you through the gifts and talents of Pastor Carol.

From the song “The Long Road Home” Sheryl Crow writes: Sure, as the wind blows. Sure, as the river flows. We will meet again on the long road home.

We thank you and until we meet again.

​Rev. Dennis, Diana and Will.

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Rev. Dennis, Diana and Will’s Farewell Potluck

A potluck was held last Sunday to honor Rev. Dennis, Diana and Will as they embark on the next journey to do God’s will. There were almost 90 people and attendance and enough delicious food to feed twice that many. Good fellowship was had by everyone!
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I haven’t had the opportunity to know Rev. Dennis and his family very long but the time I did have was very special and appreciated. They will be missed.  – Martha Isaacson