I’m taking this opportunity to write about someone special.
Instead of telling a story from my past or writing a diatribe about politics or
the younger generation, my goal is to honor to a person who has touched so many
lives. By the time I finish, I hope you’ll want to know her as well.
Catherine Nance arrived at Beaver Ridge United Methodist
Church about 5 years ago. At the time I was section editor for another paper
and interviewed her as a way of introducing her to the community. What struck
me immediately about Catherine was her captivating smile. She was the kind of
person who knew no strangers. Her open heart and open arms welcomed every
person. After I’d completed my
interview, I knew then that I’d found someone whom I would hold dear for the
rest of my days.
Catherine is a doer. No job is too difficult or menial for
her. She jumps in to cook Wednesday evening meals at the church, serves the
members who are present for supper, and even washes dishes. On more than one
occasion, she’s been found setting up dozens of tables and a hundred chairs for
the weekly get together. At other times, Catherine has rolled up her sleeves
and spread mulch in flower beds around the church. All of these tasks aren’t
included in her job description; they are additional to the services she
provides as a minister, administrator, and counselor.
Those who have heard her speak can attest to the fact that
she is a dynamic person in the pulpit. She simply has a way of capturing the
attention of the congregation as she delivers her homily each Sunday morning.
Catherine combines biblical readings with personal experiences and
thought-provoking comments. Those of us in her church leave each Sunday service
awestruck at the impact her sermon makes on our thinking and our daily lives.
Some people in other places call into question the
effectiveness of a woman in the pulpit. Anyone who has listened to Catherine is
put off by such misguided rumblings. This minister brings a woman’s perspective
to Christianity. Her nurturing ways wrap themselves around individuals as she
declares the good news of God’s love in each life. Even her children’s moments
prove to be instructive times for all.
Most of all Catherine Nance is a friend. She accepted
 |
| Brad and Catherine Nance |
This year, the Methodist powers-that-be decided to move
Catherine. The congregation did not want her to leave us, and I suspect that
she felt more time was needed to complete her work at BRUMC. However, she is to
become the minister of First Methodist Church in Maryville. It’s a much larger
church, and we at the smaller place think she’s being rewarded for a job well
done.
The moving of
ministers in the Methodist church made good sense in the 1940-1960’s. Then,
mainline denominations were increasing in membership, and ministers with
certain skills were assigned where they could be of most benefit. However,
these days, mainline churches are bleeding membership. It simply makes no sense
to move a minister when the congregation is happy and so is the minister. A
pastor serves as the stabilizing force in a church. Her presence helps the
congregation to remain strong, dedicated, and focused. Moving her causes much
more harm than good. Put another way, “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it!” The
conference cabinet might do well to listen to the desires church’s members.
My emotions are more than a bit raw. I dread the departure
of Catherine Nance. Yes, it’s selfish on my part, but she has become a friend,
minister, and pastor to me and the other BRUMC members. We will miss her and
hope that we remain in her thoughts and prayers.
Thank you Catherine Nance, for giving so much to the
congregation at BRUMC. Our hearts are heavy with your leaving but joyful for the
lessons you’ve helped us understand and the love and kindness you’ve showered
on us.
No comments:
Post a Comment