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| George & Suzanne February 2013 |
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| George, Michael, David Paul McCartney Concert Indianapolis 2013 |
First, I hope you will learn here that you can enjoy your life, even when it surprises you. I want you to know that through all the up and down, hills
and valleys, twists and turns, I have enjoyed what I have done with my life. I
am thankful for the people whose lives have intersected with mine. I hope they
are thankful for their lives intersecting with mine. In many cases, our lives
intersected for a chapter or two. We have moved on with our lives. Such is the
natural process of life. In some cases, I grieve the loss. Some people still
bring a smile. Some bring a frown. Some bring a still quizzical look as to why
friendship or at least mutual respect did not emerge. I am sure I have needed
to ask forgiveness and have not done so. I am sure I have could have expressed
gratitude better than I have done.
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| Mom, Dad, George at Dad's 75th Birthday Party (?) 1996 in Heron Lake, MN |
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| Cindy, Shirley, Lynn in 2009 |
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| Standard Poodles Beau & Toby in Crawfordsville |
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| Annie & Sophie in Logansport |
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| Ellie & Tinker, Maltese Logansport |
Fourth, be sure to relax. Most people who know me know that I have enjoyed tennis,
jogging, and exercise. My wife and I have
enjoyed dancing (ballroom), although we have not had many opportunities lately.
We like Starbucks. We also enjoy going to plays and movies. We enjoy travel. We enjoy exploring new options for the next
phase of our lives.
From my birth on December 4, 1951 until my departure for
Miltonvale Wesleyan College in August 1970, Minnesota was my home. I do not
remember the homes in early life in Bemidji, where I was the second child born
to Albert and Alvera Plasterer. They buried the stillborn child in a cemetery
in that city. Dad had been in the Navy during WWII. When he came home and
married Alvera Knee, he went north to see if he could make it farming. It did
not go well, so they moved to Minneapolis. Born in that city was Lynn, my
oldest sister. We moved to Heron Lake, the home area for Dad. His mom and dad
were still there through the 1950s. Sue and Cindy were born in this time. We
eventually moved to Austin, MN, where Shirley was born in 1959. Thus, from 1950
to 1959, mom was pregnant six times, with one dying in child birth. I vaguely remember Shirley
coming to our home as an infant. My grandfather, George, died in 1961. I always
had fond memories of him. Only later did I learn of the tension between dad and
him. I saw the first hint of the anger of dad toward Grandpa George when I
interviewed dad about his early life. He told me about joining the Navy to
fight in WWII. When he told his father, my grandfather turned to my grandmother
and said, “Look at that; all this work to do around here and he leaves.” For
dad, I could see the hurt and anger. He pounded his fist on the table, “That is
all I was to him; a hired hand.” I learned of the depth of the alcohol problem
Grandpa George had. Dad repeated that problem. Although I do not abstain, the negative example dad provided made me to not want to live my life that way.
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| earliest picture of me |
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| Plasterer children in 1960 approximately |
I would have four sisters, Lynn,
Susan, Cindy, and Shirley. The five of us often became sports teams, especially
some baseball and football. We enjoyed sledding in the winter. I think it safe to
say my sisters became “tom-boys” because of me. As I branched out into school
in these early years, I received satisfactory marks from my teachers. In first
grade, however, I received S- in phonics and numbers. I cannot believe I got
satisfactory in music and art. By the end of this decade, I had lived in my
eighth home. I missed from 9-16 days of school due to illness each year through
the second grade. By the sixth grade, I started getting unsatisfactory in music
and art. 7th grade was the first time I started receiving grades. In
1967, when I was in 10th grade, I started getting mostly A’s and
B’s. Weakness in math started showing up. It was clear that history, social
studies, and writing were emerging as primary interests. I graduated from Austin HS in May 1970. I ranked 122nd
in a graduating class of 557, I had a 2.863 GPA, and my IQ test was 101 in 7th
grade and 102 in 9th grade. Throughout the 1960s, on a family level,
mom worked and dad would come home drunk 3-4 times a week. He had a job at
Hormel that was simple enough for him to complete.
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| Left: HS Graduation; Right: Front yard of Mapleview home |
I was starting to learn about politics. I remember November
22, 1963, of course, the school letting us out for the assassination of John
Kennedy. Dad and I had debates regarding Martin Luther King Jr. I could not
believe dad thought it was a good thing that someone killed him. I was part of
the Young Democrats in High School. I was part of a march against the war in
Austin, MN, I believe in 1967. I gave a talk, for which I could thank my speech
and debate teacher, Miss Spaulding. In 1968, I was for Robert F. Kennedy first,
then Eugene McCarthy, and then Hubert Humphrey. Of course, MN was a lock for
Humphrey, who would lose to Richard Nixon. I was not yet old enough to vote. I will say that the deaths of three
people I admired, as well as my disappointment with American involvement in Vietnam,
were difficult for me. However, I never hated the country. I certainly never
questioned the goal of “liberty and justice for all” or that our goal was to
ensure “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.”
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| Top: George, Lynn, Shirley; Beneath: Family; Side: 1973 of pastor with whom I worked. |
I started attending Crane Addition Community Chapel, with
Joe Matt as the pastor, in 1963. These formative years stayed with me. The church
was evangelical in theology and welcoming in spirit. When mom took five
children to the church, people warmly received us. Pastor Joe often invited
people forward to receive Jesus into their hearts. He also preached clearly and
practically from the Bible. My High School class, led by Earl, also was a
careful and respectful reading of the Bible. These two emphases remained with
me throughout my life. Looking back, this was an important time. I knew I was
not getting much guidance from dad. Mom wanted to do what she could to be sure
that her children had some good role models. For me, this worked. I valued my
relationship with other youth and with the adults of the church who showed an
interest in us. I enjoyed the hayrides, ice skating, and bowling parties we
had. In my youth, it simply felt good for a group to welcome and include me so
graciously.
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| Dorm I lived in at Miltonvale 11970-72 |
The 1970s were
formative in terms of my learning. I made some key shifts in my thinking. I
started with Miltonvale Wesleyan College, the last two years of its existence as it merged with Bartlesville Wesleyan College and then renamed Oklahoma Wesleyan University. In my first year, I went to revival
services at the college church. I do not recall who the preacher was. However,
one night he gave a call for people to commit themselves to full-time Christian
service. I sensed a pull to go forward to the altar and commit myself to some
form of Christian service. I learned later that Pastor Joe and my mom had prayed for my openness to this call. At that time, I was not sure if it meant pastor or
teacher in a Christian school. I had my first exposure to Bible classes and New
Testament Greek. I even took piano lessons to fulfill my music requirement. I
preached my first sermon while with a singing group on a tour that brought us
to Pine Ridge Indian Reservation. Yes, my first sermon was in the presence of
some Native Americans. I also preached at Crane Chapel. I had my first serious
dating relationship with Jan Isaacson, whom I started dating on September 30,
1971 and eventually broke of our engagement on May 13, 1973, a total of 649
days. I still remember her fondly. However, with her in Kansas and me in
Indiana for the last two years of college, it just did not work. I was on the
baseball team of the college, playing right field and first base. I started
running regularly here. My politics continued in the liberal mold with support
for George McGovern in 1972. I had a big poster on my dorm room wall in Miltonvale. These
were good years away from home. My GPA was not great. The science and math
requirements kept it in the B- or C+ category.
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| George with Mom, Dad, Shirley, Cindy in 1974 |
When I went to Marion College (now Indiana Wesleyan), in
1972, I took a class in philosophy from Duane Thompson. It changed my life. I
gained an appreciation for Plato, Aristotle, Kant, Hegel, and existentialism. He
introduced me to a quite different way of thinking from that of Francis
Schaffer. I remain grateful for the difference. I started playing tennis at
Marion. I hit my first top spin here; it felt good and right. It should not
surprise that my class work was generally A’s and B’s, with best grades in
history, Bible, philosophy, and theology. Friendships here included Carlton
Fisher, Jay Clark, Dave Bower, Don Daake, and Nolan Hauser. Dating was still
difficult. I had some embarrassing moments that I best leave in the dim past.
It must have been around this time when Philippians 4:8 became a guiding verse
for me, as Paul encouraged his readers to keep their thoughts on what is right
and deserving of praise, and thus to focus on what is true, honorable, fair,
pure, acceptable, or commendable. Clearly, like all human beings, I must hasten
to add, I have fallen far short of this. Some of my friends and family may know
me well enough to count some of the ways! In a ministry class, I worked in a Wesleyan Church just south of Marion, IN. I do not remember the name of the pastor, but this began the sense I had that neither my experience nor thinking would match up to what Holiness pastors expected.
For a year after college, I spent time as a youth pastor
with Broadview Wesleyan Church, which was off the Eisenhower expressway to the
west of Chicago. Here is the first sign that as much as I liked academics, I was
hesitant to make a career out of it. It was a good time. I learned much. A
young woman from Lebanon was my tennis partner.
Tom and Charlie, who loved their hot rods, were an important my life.
They also loved the Bears and the Cubs. My broad reading interests strained the
relationship between Rev. Bray and me. Once again, the difference between what a holiness pastor expected of me and what I thought I could offer were not in agreement.
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| Favorite Old Picture and Good Memories from 1977: I am in the picture somewhere! Great Group of guys from the 3rd floor of the Administration Building |
In September 1975, I started at Asbury Theological Seminaryin Wilmore, KY. I continued tennis with Don Thorsen. I regret that our
friendship ended with Asbury. It seemed like it ought to have continued. I
became a regular runner as well. I learned some basic Hebrew. Larry Wood
exposed me to theologian Wolfhart Pannenberg, a gift that has kept giving. Robert
Lyon acquainted me further with New Testament Greek. Melvin Dieter acquainted
me with Wesley and the Holiness movement. Jay Clark would go to school here as
well. Terry Ritchey would be a roommate here. I would go back to Marion
occasionally and have walks and lunch with Duane Thompson. I went back to the
North Illinois District Committee on Ministry and shared some of my story while
at Asbury. I was in the ordination process. In sharing the story, I mentioned
that I struggle with what it means to be biblical Christian today. This many
years later, I must say that I still wrestle. In any case, a member of the
committee whom I knew well said, “Yes that is what happens when you adopt a
liberal view of Scripture.” I determined that this was not a good direction to
travel. When some District Superintendents from southern Indiana were present
for interviews, I decided more on a whim to schedule some time. That began the
process of me entering the United Methodist Church. In other learning
opportunities, I was starting to read George Will, William F. Buckley, and
Milton Friedman. They persuaded me to conservative politics, which I
distinguish from the GOP. I start having sympathy with libertarian arguments. I
like Reagan, but he would lose to Gerald Ford. I would vote for Jimmy Carter,
reasoning that if we have democrats in control of everything at the national
level, we will see what their programs would do. The result was double-digit
unemployment, inflation, and interest rates. I break my relationship with the
Wesleyan Church in the fall of 1977. Cheryl Bellmore and I are engaged in 1977
and marry in 1978, with Bill McCain and her father officiating. We had a
difficult beginning. It remained difficult throughout the years of marriage. Bishop Alton
appointed me as pastor of New Bethel and Painesville United Methodist
churches in 1977-78 as a student pastor. I
led a Sunday night study as well as preached Sunday morning. I recall the Kimberlin-Carlisle
families being prominent here. As I pursued full ordination in the United
Methodist Church of that time, I found myself warmly greeted, welcomed, and
accepted. This was a large difference from my first experiences with some of
the pastors and other leaders of the Wesleyan Church of that time. At the
college level, I felt welcomed in the Wesleyan Church I felt accepted, but that
did not seem to be the case in other areas.
In the summer of 1979, Bishop Alton appointed me to my first
full-
time pastorate at Greenville-Galena parish. Michael was born April 6, 1980, which was an Easter Sunday. Greenville had a wonderful softball team and I thoroughly enjoyed being part of it. We also had a good study that met in the home of Rick and Terry Warren. This couple still brings back fond memories. We held a Bible study in their home on Romans. We discussed salvation as a gift, and one person said, “You mean, I do not have to earn it?” The discussion opened up an experience of grace for her and for others. Galena had the Geltmaker family, which did wonderful music together. Sam Phillips became DS and we had merger conversations. They went nowhere. I am doing a lot of reading in studies related to Jesus and the Gospels, some philosophy, and the mystical tradition. In 1981, I received ordination as a deacon in the South Indiana Annual Conference (now Indiana), at the time the first stage on the way to ordination. I also went as a representative from the South Indiana Annual Conference to the National Congress on Evangelism for the Small Membership Church. May 15, 1982, our second and final son, David Owen is born. We were at Druther’s Restaurant when the contractions started. I continued tennis with my District Superintendent, Bill Clayton.
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| Simpson Memorial Greenville Pastor 1979-82 |
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| George with Michael and David |
time pastorate at Greenville-Galena parish. Michael was born April 6, 1980, which was an Easter Sunday. Greenville had a wonderful softball team and I thoroughly enjoyed being part of it. We also had a good study that met in the home of Rick and Terry Warren. This couple still brings back fond memories. We held a Bible study in their home on Romans. We discussed salvation as a gift, and one person said, “You mean, I do not have to earn it?” The discussion opened up an experience of grace for her and for others. Galena had the Geltmaker family, which did wonderful music together. Sam Phillips became DS and we had merger conversations. They went nowhere. I am doing a lot of reading in studies related to Jesus and the Gospels, some philosophy, and the mystical tradition. In 1981, I received ordination as a deacon in the South Indiana Annual Conference (now Indiana), at the time the first stage on the way to ordination. I also went as a representative from the South Indiana Annual Conference to the National Congress on Evangelism for the Small Membership Church. May 15, 1982, our second and final son, David Owen is born. We were at Druther’s Restaurant when the contractions started. I continued tennis with my District Superintendent, Bill Clayton.
In the summer of 1982, Bishop Armstrong appointed me to Brownstown. We had a Bible study that was committed itself to the “From Genesis to Revelation” series. It was a good study and gave me an opportunity to continue my interest in reading good commentaries. I also continue a meaningful relationship with the Walk to Emmaus movement. I encourage persons to attend. Among the blessings was a relationship
with the local Baptist and Presbyterian
churches. We shared Bible school together. The pastor and I shared teaching an
adult Bible class. This would lead to a wonderful shared Bible study with the
three of us throughout the year. It lasted for a couple of years. We had a good
fellowship of community pastors once a month for breakfast. I am quite involved
in the spiritual formation ministry that Bishop Armstrong and Norman Shawchuck.
They bring Father Robert Doherty, a Jesuit priest from the Boston area, to lead
spiritual formation retreats. I continue reading, Kierkegaard and some Old
Testament studies. In 1983, I received ordination as a full elder in the United
Methodist Church by Bishop Armstrong. I received the stole from the retiring
class on behalf of the newly ordained class. The Board of ministry made this
selection. It showed the level of acceptance of my written work for the
ordination process. I officiated at the wedding of my sister Cindy and Mark
Horkey. In 1984, Bishop James Armstrong resigns abruptly due to accusations
regarding his sex life. This was a big event for us as an annual conference. In
1984-87, I am part of the Doctor of Ministry classes with McCormick Theological Seminary. This was a good place for me to keep learning. Studies will focus on
Parish Revitalization and Spiritual Formation. Hugh Halverstadt, one of the
professors, was very helpful. His approach to managing conflict has remained
part of my approach in the local churches. Don Thorsen spent a few days with
us, days I thoroughly enjoyed. I continued learning by reading in Hegel and Kant
as well.
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| Horkey boys, my nephews |
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| I was pastor, Brownstown, 1982-87 |
In the summer of 1982, Bishop Armstrong appointed me to Brownstown. We had a Bible study that was committed itself to the “From Genesis to Revelation” series. It was a good study and gave me an opportunity to continue my interest in reading good commentaries. I also continue a meaningful relationship with the Walk to Emmaus movement. I encourage persons to attend. Among the blessings was a relationship
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| My sister & her husband Cindy & Mark Horkey |
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| I was associate pastor at Plainfield UMC 1987-91 |
In the summer of 1987, Bishop Hodapp appointed me to Plainfield.
I will be the associate of Bill Clayton. This was a special time for me. We had
genuine warmth and affection that continues to this day. It was fun that his
St. Louis Cardinals and my Minnesota Twins were in the World Series, among the
best ever played. The entire congregation warmly welcomed us. Among the
ministry opportunities were a wonderful Ash Wednesday service that came to be
quite meaningful and a Lent Learning opportunity on Wednesday nights of Lent.
Several persons taught these classes. We had a great time. We also had Lay
Seminary classes, where laity could get for credit classes. We had a wonderful
team of persons who worked with me for Confirmation class. Had I stayed one
more year, we would have developed our own curriculum. I also led a Bible study
on Thursday morning that was well attended and very meaningful for me. These
classes gave the opportunity to deepen by study of the Old Testament and Jesus
Seminar studies. I became part of the Spiritual Formation Committee. I took a
meaningful 10-day tour of Israel in 1987. In 1989-1991, I was part of a
three-year covenant group. We had four retreats
per year, dealing with the inner journey of prayer and spiritual life, the
outward journey of relationships with others, and the corporate journey of the
relationship between our faith and our society.
On the personal level, I played a lot of tennis. It proved to be the
last time this would happen. It was here that Cheryl and I finalized our
divorce. My hope had been that being an associate would give our marriage time to heal. Such would not be the case. I also started to go to St. Luke's singles group. I met some wonderful friends there. I learned to ball room dance. At one of the dances, I met Suzanne, and the rest, as they say, is history.
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| I was Associate Pastor from 1991-92 |
In the summer of 1991, Bishop Hodapp appointed me to
Meridian Street as an associate with Bill Schwein. I appreciated many of the
people here. Several are still friends. I particularly enjoyed some of the
small groups, visitation with shut-in persons, and Disciple Bible Study. Although
I was here briefly, I have made friends that have stayed with me through the
years, especially in the Annual Conference and in the Walk to Emmaus Community.
One person owned his own plane and took Suzanne and me on several plane rides. We
had a playgoer group where we went to CTS for the play, but met at the church
for a nice “date” type of
meal. On May 29, 1992, Suzanne and I married at
Plainfield, with Bill Clayton officiating. Yes, the brief time here means that
problems arose quickly between the pastor and me. This is not the place to
re-hash these matters. My judgment was that it was best for the church that I leave
as quietly and quickly as possible. This judgment does not reflect negatively
upon Bill, for we are quite different people. It definitely does not reflect
negatively upon the Meridian Street UMC, a church of which I continue to think
fondly and respectfully.
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| George & Suzanne ca. 1998 @ clergy party |
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| Community UMC Vincennes, IN Pastor 1992-1998 |
In the summer of 1992, Bishop Hodapp appointed me to
Vincennes Community United Methodist Church. The years here were quite special.
The challenge before us was great. Three United Methodist congregations had
just merged. I was the first pastor of the merged congregation. We still had
buildings to sell. We had to bring these congregations into one and build a new
church across from the High School. We did not lose many persons through the
merger, thanks to many good people who had worked so hard. The focus of merger
conversations was the question of what we can do together for the cause of
Christ that we cannot do separately. We worshipped in the largest building, of
course, North. I recall an Administrative Council meeting in which a division
was clear along former congregation lines. The tension in the room was thick. I
thought privately the whole merger could fall apart right now. Then, one of our
new members, a man who was not part of any of the three merged congregations,
said simply, “Well, then, this is what we need to do.” He then made his
proposal, and the tension was gone. That was a God moment for me and for that
congregation. When we finally got into the new building in 1996, we started a
wonderful Wednesday night program that included Disciple Bible studies. In
1996, I became a member of the Franklin Home Board. It was a privilege to serve
with these high quality people. I would serve until 2004. The Board of Ordained
Ministry trained me as a clergy mentor in 1997. I was also part of the South
Indiana Annual Conference Committee on Nominations. I would become chair of
this committee. On the personal level, Randy, Suzanne’s oldest son, went
through a divorce and stayed with us a while. We had a standard poodle, black.
I jogged a few times with the dog. We were starting to staff properly for a
congregation of our new size when I received a call about a church in Dearborn
County. I had many questions. The most serious was that we have to work out
something for Michael in the final few months of his High School. My instinct
was to say no, but I was also mindful of the commitment I had made to go where
the bishop sent.
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| Dearborn Hills UMC Pastor Jan 1998-June 2002 |
In January of 1998, Bishop White appointed me to DearbornHills UMC. My first Sunday was the first Sunday of the year. When I arrived, we
had something over 100 recommendations from a church consultant. We worked on
implementing them, the most challenging being a new worship service. This change
proved to be quite difficult for us. It was a pleasure to work with Bob Riggles
and Stacey Stackhouse on the ministry staff. We experimented with having most
of our committee meetings on one night. We also had Disciple Bible Study. I continued
to serve on the Franklin Home board and was chair of the South Indiana Annual
Conference Committee on Nominations. I received training as a Stephen Minister
in Orlando, FL. We started training people to be Stephen ministers. The English
translation of Wolfhart Pannenberg, Systematic
Theology arrived in 1998, eventually leading me to create a blog. I started reading soon thereafter. I have
continued to draw from the Pannenberg throughout my pastoral life. A special
friend was a Presbyterian pastor, Glenn and Cathy Baaten, in Ohio. He challenged
me to read the original texts, in English, of course. That comment led me down
a path of reading the works of Plato and Aristotle. I then read selected
portions of Augustine and Aquinas. It has been a wonderful journey. I have
continued in reading empiricists, rationalists, Kant, Hegel, Kierkegaard,
Nietzsche, Heidegger, Wittgenstein, and Sartre. Of course, this took place over
the next decade. On the personal side, I enjoyed the exercise course at the
park in Harrison, OH. Our home life became complicated. Randy and Chrissy stayed with us. Custody of David
changed from his mother to me. Our poodle had children. We ended up with two of
the litter, Beau and Toby.
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| Crawfordsville First UMC Pastor 2002-Oct 2008 |
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| Staff Christmas Party |
In the summer of 2002, Bishop White appointed me to
Crawfordsville United Methodist Church. My predecessor retired. We had a
housing allowance. I have found that much of life is a test. Mistakes test us
in the sense that they make us go deeper. We forge our character on how deal
with failures and mistakes. We had the blessing of some wonderful staff. The
church was generous with giving me time with parents, both of whom died while
here. Dad died in 2003. I had some good talks with dad. He finally read some
sermons I mailed to mom. Mom had the habit of reading and re-reading them. Dad
ignored them for many years, but this time expressed appreciation for what I
had sent mom. I did not share any words during the service, although the United
Methodist pastor who led the service invited me to do so. I still have the
American flag presented to me because of dad’s service in the Navy. Mom died December
18, 2004. We children took turns taking mom to the Mayo Clinic in Rochester,
MN. She had esophageal cancer. I did share a few words. A few members of
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| George & Suzanne Plasterer Albert & Alvera Plasterer |
Crawfordsville made the time to drive up special for the funeral service, and then went back. It was amazing. My primary learning here was Bill Placher, a professor at Wabash College. I finally read Karl Barth, Church Dogmatics at this time, reading a volume and then discussing
it with Dr. Placher over lunch. It was quite a privilege. This would eventually lead to a blog. One of the blessings
here was re-establishing a connection with R. Duane Thompson, my philosophy
professor from Indiana Wesleyan. We met at Cheesecake Factory. We then started
meeting about every four months. He would die suddenly. I did not find out
until several months later, calling his home and talking with his wife. It was
such a shock. I am more thankful than I have words to express for this man in
terms of his intellect and his faith. We started Disciple Bible Study at
Crawfordsville. As we moved toward a contemporary worship service, tensions
rose. We had a service in the basement utilizing tables. It seemed to me that
all of this was just beginning to work when I received a call to exchange
places with the pastor at Cross~Wind in Logansport. On a personal note, a
member of the congregation allowed us to use their Siesta Key condominium. It
looked out over the beautiful beach there. I also attended a Pastor’s School in
Deland, FL. It proved to be a great time with people who differed from me
politically and theologically. I discovered that pastors born and raised in
Florida tended to retire toward the middle of the state, saying it was nice to
get a little break in the heat. On the personal level, Grandchild Taylor stayed
with us for one school term. Beau and Toby would die here. The death of Beau, a
black standard poodle, was traumatic. We were in the room when the doctor put
him down. I will never do that again. I cried all day. We also got Annie a few
weeks before Toby died. That actually helped.
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| Cross~Wind UMC Pastor Nov 2008-July 201 |
In the winter of 2008, Bishop Coyner appointed me to
Cross~Wind Ministries. The result of a merger of two congregations, established
in 1998, some problems had arisen. Chip Gast, the founding pastor, became DS.
Gary Lewis came, and one can see why. He had a sports background and this
congregation had an Upward Soccer ministry. However, the attendance started
declining immediately. Among the early challenges here was that a downward
slope in worship attendance had begun. It did not stop with the arrival of this
pastor. A few years into my
ministry, some issues on staff and with the scout program added to the challenges.
Kayc Mykrantz and a team of people who prayed faithfully helped this pastor
move through such challenges faithfully. We participated in the Fruitful
Congregation program of the Indiana Annual Conference. This program
established our mission and helped us develop our vision. It also gave us
specific goals of working on worship, small groups, and children’s ministry.
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| Upward Soccer |
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| Triple S |
Upward Soccer ministry
has been a wonderful presence in this community. It provides a place for a racially diverse community in a fun and relaxed environment. We worked on our vision statement. We also worked on worship. Committee meetings are at a minimum. Everything about worship has been a particular blessing. We have had special Lent church-wide studies that I have found inspiring. One year, we did Jesus Creed, a wonderful study of the
two great commandments. People keep bringing up that study. I have had the
pleasure of two clergy groups, one focused on Church Dogmatics (thanks Glenn Knepp) and the other theologians
such as Paul Tillich, Pannenberg, Barth, Bultmann, Schleiermacher (thanks Chuck
Britt and Lynn Eastman). Throughout my preaching life, I have utilized the
lectionary to guide me. I have occasionally departed. However, preaching at
Cross~Wind has allowed me to pull together my study of the biblical text and my
presentation of the word of God. I have long published the text online. The
people in the room have long had “sermon to go” in which I provide an outline
and usually a few blanks that I hope aid in learning. We added the Think Orange
children’s ministry program. One of the genuine pleasures has been Triple S
(Soup, Sweets, and Scripture). This group gave the opportunity to do some Bible
studies that I approached with the attitude that this will likely be the last
time I do so. Throughout my teaching life, I paid close attention to the
historical dimension of the biblical text. Whether with Genesis to Revelation
or the Disciple Bible Study, this has been an important part of my life. The Triple
S group allowed me to round off those studies. I now have a document on the
theological and spiritual insights of the Old Testament that, along with
commentary studies, includes insights from Barth and Pannenberg. In both
preaching and teaching, I count it satisfying that I have been able to bring my
teaching and preaching to such a conclusion. The result has been two theological
documents. One is dialogue with Church
Dogmatics, in which I put Pannenberg and Barth in close conversation. A
second document expresses my version of what I would call classic Christian
teaching, with a Pannenberg slant. On the personal level, Tim has lived with us
for several years. After the heart attack with Randy, they stayed with us. For
a summer, Kayli stayed with us. We added some other dogs to our fox terrier
Annie. Zeus, a boxer, arrived because of Randy and Chrissy. Two Maltese arrived
because of client of Suzanne. A silky terrier arrived because of a member of
the church.
In July 2017, I received an appointment to retirement by
Bishop Trimble. In preparation, we had the gift of almost three weeks in
Sebring, FL. We found Dunedin, FL and thoroughly enjoyed it. Our plan is to
rent. It will be a pleasure to have Nick and Elaina Robinson as my successor. As
I look back, some dreams I need to put aside. They served me well for that
time. The time has passed. I need to let them go in the spirit of an old friend
who has served the purpose of keeping me moving in the right direction. I hesitatingly
suggest that our dreams carry us along through the various stages of life. If a
dream is like a river, then we must not settle for the safety of the shore. We must
sail where the dream takes us. I have had people ask me what I am going to do in
retirement. I do not know – yet. I know I will want to relax. I will want to
continue learning and helping other people learn. I think I will want to see if I can get published some of the things I have written. I will continue writing some "ponderings" as I continue developing my writing voice. Let us see where the Spirit
leads. Some doors that seemed closed may open. Some dreams that seemed to have
died may find a way toward rebirth. I have wanted to take this opportunity to
pause and listen to my life. I have shared what I think I have learned. Yet, I
do not see clearly. Only God has eyes to see that clearly. Further, I share in
the hopes that this reflection might help others learn as well.
Lynn Eastman posted on Facebook: I think your feelings about reviewing your life with its ups and downs was a normal reaction to retirement. It appears to me that you are happy with your life choices. You really find joy in your ministry and your relationship to God. I have always appreciated your joy in God as we have been critical of various theologies. You have inspired me. I look forward to a continued relationship.
ReplyDeleteChuck Britt commented that he appreciated what I shared here. He said it made him realize that he needed to do this as well with his retirement a couple years ago.
ReplyDeleteBob Nolan of Plainfield: I have fond memories of your time at PUMC (Plainfield) from church activities to tennis.
ReplyDeleteWish you could have been our senior pastor along the way.
I wish you many years of happiness and doing what you want to do.
Hopefully we will see each other along the way. Take care, my friend !!
Bobby Riggles Excellent;) I've been excited to see your postings and announcements on retirement. I'll definitely look forward to writing some reflections on our time together and will check my calendar.
ReplyDeleteI've been thinking of you much the last few weeks as we've been journeying through a time of prayer, discernment and imminent transition. I'll look forward to catching up with you much the last few weeks as we've been journeying through a time of prayer, discernment and imminent transition. I'll look forward to catching up with you soon.
Ned Steele wrote: George...I just saw on the Conference website that you are retiring at this Annual Conference session. I wish you well in what comes next in your life. You have served with distinction.
ReplyDeleteDear George ,
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on your retirement ! I know you and Suzanne will enjoy immensely . The both of you have a special place in our hearts . We have such wonderful memories of our visits with you two ! You and Glenn intensely discussing theology and philosophy , as Suzanne and I enjoyed each other's company ! So great!
We miss our visits with you two. We always hoped we could see you again after moving to California , but it never happened . Maybe one day we can get a visit in with each other . What a great reunion that would be . We are honored and blessed to call both of you friends . May God bless your retirement and may you continue to serve him in new ways . Sending our best , Glenn and Cathy Baaten
Linda Hoffman: THank you for all you've been for Crosswind and for me personally. I don't think I could have survived the ordeal with my son without the support of my church family. THank you for the Triple S Bible studies, you bring the Bible alive in a way I've never seen. Enjoy your retirement, rest, soak up the sun, get used to not having a schedule. Then you'll find the next phase that God has planned for you. (You may be retiring from the weekly pulpit but He doesn't really let you retire, just uses you in His service in different ways. Enjoyed very much your retirement ponderings!
ReplyDeleteI wanted to share an edited version of a note from Elton Ross, a member of the church in Crawfordsville. My blog led him to do a bit of reflection his connections with the story I share, which is what I had hoped might for some. Here is the first part.
ReplyDeleteDear Rev Plasterer------
The secretary of The First Methodist Church Crawfordsville, IN published on her web-site your upcoming retirement in July. Today I put a 4 page hand printed letter in the mail to you, of how much, I enjoyed your 19 page dissertation or your blog. It certainly was reminiscing the past to the present. Being I just turned 92, therefore a WW II veteran who served in France and Germany and out before 21, you will find I co-reminisced with you in some places. But, the most important thing I wanted to print was the following: you mentioned, quite favorably I interpreted, Bishop Hodapp. But the interesting thing is; when I was in high school, and from Columbus, IN, I attended the Methodist summer camp at Rivervale near Mitchell (the hometown of Astronaut Gus Grissom who was in my Purdue chemistry recitation class). Bishop Hodapp also attended at the same time, but, he was just Leroy to us being our age; at the most Leroy Hodapp. Seymour, his city, was 20 miles south of Columbus. I don’t know whether you ever went to a church summer camp, but, you paired up with a different girl every year and many Columbus paired up with Seymour girls and Seymour boys paired up with Columbus girls. One year, I came home and told my dad with whom I had paired up with and his reply was “she’s your 2nd or 3rd cousin.” Therefore, I thought you might find it interesting to add this to the letter you will be receiving. It will be, no doubt, the strangest letter you will receive.
Again, I want to relate to you, how much I enjoyed your “blog”, or, I would call it a dissertation or maybe better, yet, a biography. It brought back memories.
Sincerely,
Elton C Ross A member, I’m confident, of the Parish Relations Committee of The First Methodist Church Crawfordsville, IN when you were here(don’t hold that against
Here is the second part of edited comments from Elton C. Ross
ReplyDeleteDear Reverend Plasterer:
I no doubt will ramble, and, will use “the first shall be last the last shall be first” analogy in many cases, maybe. To introduce myself, I was a member of The Pastoral Relations Committee when you were here at The First Methodist Church Crawfordsville, IN. I really enjoyed your sermons, but sadly, I think the congregation was not accustomed to such learned presentations. There is no doubt, in my mind, you easily could have been a college professor like your departed friend Dr. Wm. Placher.
Now to my comment the last shall be first. … I would like for you to contact The Right Reverend Doctor David Groves of Bartow, Florida, a retired Methodist minister. … I have talked to David and have explained your future retirement and I have encouraged you to contact him, and, I have given you all his contact information. Myself, in light tanks, was wounded 8 days into battle followed by 45 days in the Army General Hospital, Miracourt, France, then, back to duty. No tank to get into. Unit in heavy battle with heavy losses, but, German losses were 3x ours. We lost 39 tanks they lost 51 tanks. Enough of this. Out of service, before I was 21 with about 15 mos. in the states and 15 mos. overseas. Then off to Purdue, we, 3 other fellow 14th Armored comrades and we all graduated BSME’50 and all spent their working period in industry. Myself was with my CEO (of the four) for 35 years and we were inducted the same day. I spent all my time in various types of engineering and various management positions. Not bad for someone who about flunked his English course and just squeaked by with a C in literature. However, I crashed the technical courses and was Tau Beta Pi, the engineering equivalent of the Liberal Arts Phi Beta Kappa.
Now first “shall be last”. Your story of your dad going to Bemidji, MN to make a success of farming and failing to make it. I had (2) twin brother uncles that went to Bemidji to make it in farming. They also failed and returned to Columbus, IN and became successful building contractors. But, all was not lost, in the MN experience. One came home with a German wife. Parents also moved to Columbus, IN. As pointed out to you in an e-mail their name was Kirschbaum (cherry tree in English) . Of course, this was the beginning of the 20th century.
OK. I could go on and on, but, it’s time to cut it off. Again I enjoyed your retirement dissertation and have copied the 19 pages so I can read again at my leisure; in the easy chair.
Notice to YOU: I have sent your blog e-mail address that accompanies the invitation to your retirement celebration. David Groves has already copied the blog.
Sincerely,
Elton C Ross
My oldest son Mike said: But I really enjoyed your retirement blog. It was very interesting to see u write a detailed yet short biography like that. I know this will be a huge life change for both of you, but I'm sure u will meet this challenge. I wish u guys nothing but happiness as u go off into this part of your life. I hope we can spend some good quality time together before you leave. And i look forward to visiting u once u are in Florida.
ReplyDeleteFrom Facebook
ReplyDeleteTodd Outcalt Blessings on your retirement
Linda Benedict Hoffman I'm bringing my chocolate chip cookies!
Jeff Buck All the best!
Brad Miller congrats on the retirement...enjoy
Don DAAKE would come but the corporate jet is already booked! But have a good time and Congrats!
Facebook: Daniel R. Gangler CONGRATULATIONS on your retirement. Where will you be living in retirement? Thank you for your service to Christ and His church.
ReplyDelete[I directed him to this blog.]
David Draeger What is retirement???
Christine Newman-Jacobs George, Congratulations on your retirement! I will not be able to attend due to our daughter's graduation from college. Celebrations all over the place!
Harry Lyness Would have liked to be there but driving a school bus to Florida bound for Haiti loaded with supplies.
ReplyDeleteSteven Paul Clouse
Karen Ottjes Congratulations on your retirement! Blessings in the next chapter of life.
Steven Paul Clouse Well done good and faithful servant
Beth Ann Cook Blessings on your retirement!
Kent & Peggy Billiard: Sorry to miss your party as we will be at our granddaughter's birthday party and gymnastics showcase.
ReplyDeleteScott Stephens: It was good to talk with you. May God bless you in retirement!
ReplyDeleteGeenville UMC - Their card refers to Ecclesiastes 3:13, "That everyone should take pleasure in all his toil, this is God's gift to man." The statement: As you look back on the valued contribution of your time and talents, may the Lord bless you with satisfaction. And as you look ahead, may the Lord bless you with new and fulfilling joys in your retirement. Signed, Congreatulations with love and prayers, the congregation of Greenville UMC
ReplyDeleteBeth Ann Cook Prayers for you during your transition and for the church!
ReplyDeleteAndrew Suite Congratulations on your retirement, and thank you for your faithfulness!
Drina Beety I wish much happiness to you and Suzanne on this new chapter
ReplyDeleteRev George,
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on your retirement. It doesn’t seem like it has been 25 years, July 1992 that you came to Community United Methodist Church. The three churches, North, Wabash, and Trinity had just come together as a new congregation. We were still finding our way and here came this handsome minister and his new bride to serve us. At first. It was a learning experience for all of us but we soon felt that the right minister was in our midst and we were destined to do great things as a church.
For about 2 years we worshipped at North Church. It was our dream to build a new church. Ground was purchased on Hart Street Road and a building committee was formed with members from the 3 former churches being selected. I was so pleased when Bob Warren, now deceased, and myself were chosen to head the building committee. We spent several months and dozens of meetings selecting just the right plans. After 8 sections of blueprints by Donavan and Associates we made the final decision on what is now Community United Methodist Church. We chose a builder from Northern Indiana named Dale Graber and we were underway.
On Easter Sunday, 1994, we held our first worship service. It was a beautiful day and a beautiful service, once again, celebrating Resurrection Sunday. Over 400 people attended and so now we were in our new house of worship and we had the room to do wonderful things in his name. Lots of new programs for the children and Sunday School Classes and Bible Studies for the Adults. Over the next eight years with your leadership we became better disciples for Jesus Christ.
Some of my best memories of fun times of fellowship were the retreats we had at State Parks in February. Springmill, Brown County, McCormick’s Creek and Turkey Run. 60 to 70 people time together in fellowship with God. Those were wonderful weekends. And then there were the Sweetheart’s Banquets at Valentine’s Day with nearly 100 people enjoying food, fun, and fellowship.
The Lenten Services and the Christmas Services were so soul touching and reverent. Your presence in the pulpit inspired us to do great things for the Lord. Your time with us established us as a Christ oriented church and we wanted to be in his services. All too soon you were moved and we were saddened.
George, you came when we needed to come together to be a church that was pleasing to God and you got the job done. Thank You for your Guidance and Service to us. We were blessed.
And now you are retiring. We pray for Susie now that you will be underfoot more. Your sons, Michael and David are grown men by now. Your ministry has touched the lives of so many people. I’m sure there have been times when being a minister wasn’t easy but you persevered. Thank You for answering to God’s call.
I’m looking back at our 1st directory. I counted 377 adults and children. Today with deaths, transfers to other churches and moves there are just over 100 of the original 377. We seem to take in new members and transfers and new babies, yet we struggle to reach 300 in attendance. Only on special occasions do we reach that number. We have a new minister coming in July. This will be our third woman pastor in a row.
We have about 1/3 of our congregation above 65. We have at least 5 over 90. So we aren’t a young congregation even though we have about 50 children under 10.
We do have the largest church sign in Knox County and surrounding areas thanks to Pastor Cheryl and some generous givers.
Time to close. Enjoy your retirement and remember us at CUMC. Give our love to Susie.
You are Loved,
Ed and Barbara
Excuse the handwriting. Arthur has come to visit.
Pastor Plasterer still rings a bell.
Triple S had a final program led in a delightful way by Claudia Pear. She had them fill out their answers to a set of questions. I did not know this, but she asked them the following question. "What is at least one thing you will remember about Pastor George?" Some of the answers were as follows:
ReplyDelete• kind, gentle soul who is very intelligent and thoughtful;
• his being there for us at a very difficult time in our lives;
• his concern for the congregation;
• the knowledge he brought to Triple S and the way he brought the Bible to us at Triple S;
• his loving acceptance;
• the way he teaches and preaches;
• his hard work and knowledge to pass the Word on to each of us;
• his love of teaching and his quick wit and his "tolerance" of my weird sense of humor;
• have loved his style of Bible study! Even more I have learned to persevere and learn about an individual who has taught me much. If I hadn't tried to get to know him better, I would have missed a blessing from God!
• his amazing recall of all types of books and movies, and how they can apply to our Bible studies;
• his dedication to visiting the sick;
• his steady manner and bearing;
• his self-motivation to stay with us at Triple S;
• that no matter what came at him (and there was some really hard stuff), he did what Jesus did. He trusted God and loved people anyway!
• and of course, there was the fact that he is a lover of desserts or maybe we could say he is a "Dessert Nut"!!!
My hope is that we have learned from not only Pastor George - for which we are very grateful - but that we have learned a bit more about our gift of Triple S and the people who love attending this Bible study. May we always be willing to try another challenge and to continue to move forward where God would have us go.
Join together in singing our last favorite hymn, "A Charge to Keep I Have". The person who voted for this one said it was chosen because of the power in the words. May we continue our challenge for today by closing with what may be a new hymn. And may that attitude remain with us as we move toward the day when we will have a new pastor. And may Triple S help lead the way in welcoming that pastor and his family to Cross~Wind UMC.
I was so pleased with the retirement celebration. It was nice to receive the best wishes in retirement from so many people. Some gave gift cards and cash. Some said they would visit in Florida. Of course, they are welcome to do so. Some people mentioned specific areas where they felt my ministry touched them. Anna Rae Ellison said she was glad God allowed our paths to cross ... I have been blessed by you and the people of this church. Darryl & Linda Lane said they are so thankful for our friendship. We will miss you, but we are so excited for the new adventure we are starting. The Wednesday night group sent a card Debbie wanted me to know how much I have meant to her the past several years. She thanked me for the words of encouragement when she needed them. Several looked forward to a visit in Florida. Sue Boller said "I really appreciate your kindness for Keith during his illness and ... your concern for me." Betty Streu said "You and Suzanne will be missed but you have been a real blessing to me and my family." Mellie Gunion said "You will be missed. Your compassion and smile is so appreciated." The Hathaways said, "Thank you for all the work you've done to prepare for Triple S and the Sunday sermons. They will be missed!" Connie & Barry Prentice said, "Thank you for being with us in our darkest days and new happy years." Claudia and Dan said "I am so thankful that I have been able to learn from you over the years. Your joy in teaching and preaching is precious to us and we will remember you." Janet Woodworth's sister said "I enjoyed your sermons and the Bible studies at Triple S." David Downham said, "It has been so wonderful to be blessed with yet another Christian brother. Even though we will miss you, we wish you nothing but the best as you continue on the journey God has placed before you." Sharon Nelson said, "We will miss your teaching at Triple S. Gary and his wife said "Thank you for inspiring us to be better Christians." Lois Coffman said "Thank you for your kindness and inspiration to me." Rebecca Turner said "Thank you for the last 2 years I've attended Cross~Wind. I've so enjoyed Triple S." Dave & Julie Morris said "You have been a great blessing to us, and we know you will be a blessing to the lives you touch throughout your life!" Doug and Julie Upton said "You have meant so much to us over these past 8 years as our pastor & wife and our friends. We will miss you and your love and care. Bernice Schafner said "Sorry with this leg injury I cannot attend your party. It has been a pleasure knowing you. Thank you for your service and friendship."
ReplyDeleteFrom Vincennes Community UMC, John Bobe and Sandy came to the retirement celebration. It was great to see them. In addition, Imo Jeanne Williams sent a card. She referred to her husband passing away in 2009 and her daughter and family live in Texas. "I remember fondly the years you were here with us and I remember the good times. Tell Susie Hello."
ReplyDeleteFrom Dearborn Hills UMC, Fred and Judy Gearhart came to the celebration and spent the night in town. It was a real treat to see them again. They have been good friends over the years.
ReplyDeleteFather Petan of All Saints Roman Catholic Church said, "Thank you for your years of service to God and the people of God. Thank you, also, for receiving me so kindly and generously in this community and into the fellowship of the clergy. I've always felt welcomed and encouraged by you."
ReplyDeleteHere are a few comments from Facebook
ReplyDeleteTom DeFries, a colleague in Indiana, said "Thanks for all the talks and conversations."
Andrew Suite Congratulations on your retirement, and thank you for your faithfulness!
Todd Outcalt Blessings for the road ahead
Brad Denham George, I'm excited for your retirement but will sure miss your smiling face. Sorry we couldn't make your party. Don't be a stranger.
From Crawfordsville First, Craig Andrews came and we had a chance to talk briefly. He brought a very nice gift. We made a date for next week. Of course, he asked, "What is your plan." It will be good to catch up with him.
ReplyDeleteJohn and Sandy Tidd from Crawfordsville - "emember talking with you about retirement when you were in Crawfordsville. The only negative we have found is you have to be old to get there! We wish you and Suzanne happiness, enjoyment, adventure, rest and fulfillment as you enter this new chapter of your life journey. May God continue to grant you his many blessings."
ReplyDeleteColleague Glenn Knepp said he was sorry he missed the retirement celebration. He was not able to make it work. He signed "Blessings to you brother." He wrote a letter. As you can imagine, I am deeply humbled by what Glenn says. He is a young pastor whom I believe will make a valuable in whatever way he serves within the church. It begins with a quote from Pannenberg in Anthropology, p. 116, "The call of feedom is always to a harmonization of one's behavior with one's own destiny. This call is therefore the basis of a freedom to do good, not a freedom to choose between good and its opposite." He then begins his letter.
ReplyDelete"Thank you for assisting the Holy Spirit as I was pointed towards the freedom of my destiny. I can't be sure, but I think we met in the Spirit of 2009. You had just come to Cross~Wind. We met for breakfast at Bob Evans. we discussed Moltmann and other theologians. In that first encounter you imparted the wisdom that Duane Thompson had once imparted to you. In a certainly more precise and articulate way you suggested, "What you should do, is do enough reading and study that you really develop a philosophical purchase, a place to stand, philosophically speaking, and do ministry and theology from that place."
I took your advice to heart. Of course, it took time. We kept in touch. You helped guide me through the UM Certification process for ministry. You counseled me through a treacherous appointment season.
In 2014, you began to clear out your great store of books and literature and I took several large boxes full. Placher, Moltmann, Neihbur, Merton, Bultmann, Kasemann, Bloch, Swinburne, von Rad, and Eichrodt all came into my life in new and more meaningful ays. In 2014, I entered a dark night of sorts and those new friends you gave me some days felt like the only friends to which I could turn. In 2015 you learned of my struggles and searching.
I can still remember you asking if I would be interested in reading Barth's Church Dogmatics. You had found a complete set, scarcely used, surrendered by Dean Fager as he prepared for his retirement. You snatched the set up for me and offered to read through the weighty series again with me. I was excited and needed the direction, by that point in my life. It took me two or three months to discover that Dogmatics and our regular meettngs to discuss Barth were your way of keeping track of me and guiding me through that difficult phase of life. We finally finished the more than 9,000 page readings n November of 2016. I greeted the end of Dogmatics with grief. The reading and even more your mentoring and conversation had sustained me.
I greet your impending retirement with the same grief. I realize that technology will help us keep in contact, but geography and differences in phase of life will become wider still between us. Please receive my grief at your retirement as the greatest expression of thanks I could offer. I will be thankful always for your ministry. When I reach my retirement and eventual completion, know this, your name will be near the top of a list of servants of Jesus Christ that helped to make sure I could continue and one day in freedom, finish well.
Connie & Jeff Penman: We hope that you thoroughly enjoy your much deserved respite from caring for others all of the time, and take some time to rest before heading into your next adventure together. We take you both for all the prayers which you prayed for all of your congregation, the wonderful Bible-based sermons given, and the words of comfort given to those ill or grieving. You are a fantastic team! You will be greatly missed.
ReplyDeleteMick Showndradt and family came from Lafayette on Sunday after the retirement event. Mick said, "You do not look like you are ready to retire. You look too good." That may or may not be so, but I have said since that I would not want to wait so long that people said, "You should have retired last year." I have good health and mind. I hope to have some years of investing my life in ways that will benefit others and focus on the gifts and graces I have. I look forward to this adventure!
ReplyDeleteJay and Peggy King wrote "We will miss you, your excellent and thought provoking sermons, and your presence at Cross~Wind. How does time pass so quickly? We prayerfully wish you and Suzanne the very best as you transition to your new life in Clearwater, FL. Many blessings in this new phase in yor life. PS - Nathaniel has fond memories of playing tennis with you too!
ReplyDeleteVizcara Family said thank you for your pastoral services, advice, and recommendations to our church members, officers, and families. Thank you for your pastoral care with my family and your visits with me at the Neal Home. We will miss you and your family. We wish you good luck and good mental and physical health.
ReplyDeleteSteve & Melinda Shaffer referred to fond memories, from getting to know you that first Sizzlin Summer when you jumped right in to support and grow our youth with me. To more recently so beautifully and patiently officiating Ethan and Amy's Wedding! Steve and I gained much respect for you through those rough patches when you showed nothing but wisdom and grace. Your love for and care of God's people has always been so evident, and we have grown much under your teaching. May God continually bless you and Suzanne immeasurably.
ReplyDeleteKayc & Denny Mykrantz said, No words can possibly convey my thanks or my utter enjoyment of sharing the journey of these past years with you. It has been something! You truly have walked your last years before retirement as Jesus would have had you walk. At times, I have been awe-struck at your consistent choice to let love prevail as you have trusted God to do what He promises. Denny and I pray that you and Suzanne will have a great adventure in your next chapter
ReplyDelete