Duane is my friend. He is a retired pastor from the UCC/Presbyterian church. Duane called me today after reading the infamous “letter to the editor.” Encouragement and spiritual strength come from his words. “Dorothy’s letter was from the pit of hell,” he said, “so don’t even comment on it in the paper.”
I met Duane in the O’Hare airport on our way to Germany with the Wisconsin UCC delegation for the Bonhoeffer symposium in 2000. Actually, I knew Duane as a “name” after I started in ministry in my first churches in Monroe and Monticello, Wisconsin. I followed him as the pastor before me. He moved on to Arizona and I began my ministry in 1980 as pastor of a yoked parish – Monroe was “Union Presbyterian” and Monticello was, “Washington Reformed UCC.” It was a great time in my life with these two wonderful congregations shaped by Duane. Eventually the churches grew to be able to need a single pastor of their own. So after five years and two building programs, I was called to Ohio to St. John UCC of Strasburg. Again, beautiful people to pastor just 20 minutes south of the Football Hall of Fame.
But, back to Duane, my ego was constantly challenged as a new pastor, because the members always talked about how wonderful Duane was as a pastor. Imagine that your spouse talked about their former spouse being so great… it would make you self-conscious and anxious. But they got over the loss of Duane and embraced me and my ministry which gave me confidence to be myself.
Then, finally I met Duane after he had been through the “meat grinder” of divorce and finding his way into ministry again in Wisconsin. Since our time in Germany we have had good times together. He found a new wife in Barb and a new ministry until he retired. We have stayed in touch by phone and the internet. He lives in Northern Illinois.
Talking with him today just gave me so much more strength. The hugs and good words from Zion members Sunday morning made me feel so determined to “trust and obey” the voice of my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Andy Hopp’s Partnership is invaluable. Duane’s words were Holy Spirit infused with light and love.
I hope God gives you a friend like Duane.
How wonderful that you have Duane as a friend. It is an invaluable asset. I could feel the warmth and fellowship of Zion’s members at church on Sunday. I feel sure that we have an exceptional congregation. You can be sure that the love and support will always be there for you. As to yesterday’s blog, yes, they are a beautiful couple!