Parakalein

Rev. John McKinistry, who has been and continues to be supported and accented in ministry  by his wife Ann, received his earned "50 years of Ordained Ministry Award".  This ward reflects resiliency, re-energizing and re-affirming call to ministry. Today, 50 years after he first entered into the association of fellow ordained clergy, set apart for service he remains set apart for service.  For years he served as pastor, overseer, and muti-talented artisan of God's creative and courageous, extravagant and extraordinary love.
Today he and the wife of his youth walk and talk of God's love in downtown Lee where they reside.  There perennial smile, purposeful mindset, and compassionate heart reflect the love of God to strangers and friends, new comers and old standbys.  I know this because I have witnessed it.  Because he and his wife were always greeting us, the new comers until we felt and now feel like their standbys.

Maybe that is their legacy:  "they are stand by people".  They to not need a pulpit or a place to serve though they have embraced both over the years.  All they need is people with whom they can be people who love God and do not just talk it but walk it as well.

We satnd by them in appreciation, with admiration, and with anticipation of being better because they stand by us!

Thanks John and Ann for who you are as human beings and spiritual beings, walking together you bear witness to the love that breeds togetherness.