Celebrating Those Newly Retired Among Us
On May 13th, while enjoying a lunch under the Highlands Pavilion at the Johnsonburg Camp and Retreat Center, the Presbytery’s ministers of the Word and Sacrament enjoyed a time of fellowship and an opportunity to honor those ministers who have recently retired or soon will be.
Stories were shared, both funny and poignant, and those recognized were the beneficiaries of prayer, well-wishes, and tokens of appreciation. Some may remember that several years ago the honorific “HR” was removed from the Book of Order, with the understanding that presbyteries could act to restore it for their context. Highlands Presbytery took action to restore that designation earlier this year, and so can introduce these who are newly “Honorably Retired.”
Rev. Ron de Groot
Rev. Alden Johnson
Rev. Peter Magnan
Rev. Donna McDaid (No photo available)
Rev. Fred Milligan
Community, Ringwood NJ
Newtown, Newtown PA
Traverse City, Traverse City MI
Field Staff, General Assembly
Covenant, Scranton PA
Westminster, Indianapolis IN
Westminster, Indianapolis IN
Evergreen Park, Evergreen Park IL
Rev. Jacquelynn Van Vliet
Morris Plains, Morris Plains NJ
Lamington, Bedminster NJ
Eternal God, through all the years of our lives your love protects and guides us.
By your Spirit you call us to varied ministries in the service of Jesus Christ.
We praise you for your gifts to these your servants,
for their faithful proclamation of your Word,
their administration of the holy sacraments of Jesus Christ,
and their pastoral care and leadership in the church.
Grant them time for refreshment and rest, reflection and rejoicing,
ministry as they are led, and the fullness of your peace.
Through your Holy Spirit bless each of us
that we may remember the love of Jesus Christ
which unites us in the service of our Lord.
In the name of Christ we pray. Amen.
Adapted from the Book of Common Worship 1995
