To the editor:
My dear community of Perry, it is with very mixed emotions that I bid you good-bye.
Seven-and-a-half years ago, I felt very called by God to come here to do ministry at and with the First Presbyterian Church. The church welcomed me with open arms, and every one of them has had a special place in my heart.
I’ve laughed with them, cried with them, lost loved ones of theirs and mine together. They stood by me when I made ‘oopses’ (is that a word? lol) We sang songs that were a little modern, stretching yourselves as you stretched me, growing in faith together, encouraging the PRESBY Childcare to get up and going – and now – expanding!
Being able to spend time with the kiddos, telling them stories about Jesus and other Bible characters, teaching them songs, hearing their giggles and sharing “Jesus Kisses” have warmed my heart.
This entire community welcomed me, and each of you has a special place in my heart. The day we moved to town, I needed something and went to Ben’s Five and Dime for it. When I walked into the store, this very friendly woman helped me, and when I told her I was the new minister at First Presbyterian, the first words out of her mouth were, “Welcome to Perry!” Jan Pattee, I have never forgotten that wonderful welcome.
Other people also welcomed me with those same words, and I have tried my best to welcome new people to town with those same words.
Perry, you had me with my first visit – when I stopped for lunch at the Hotel Pattee one day. I love the emphasis on art, the pride people take with their businesses and homes. I have very much appreciated the progressiveness of our city council and other city leaders and how easy they are to work with.
You are on top of things almost as soon as something happens. I’m thinking of the hardworking, friendly office folks as well as those who pick up our garbage, plow our streets, mow the city lawns and cemetery and do the “heavy” work.
I’m excited about the future of Perry, just over a year since things seemed to be falling apart. Way to go! Way to think of the future!
So why am I moving? you may ask. Well, I’ve asked myself that a couple times recently, and the answer is . . . it is time to move on. I truly believe that God calls us to different places and things at different times, and this is my time to move on, to move ahead.
If I named all the individuals who have had an impact on me, it would take too much space and time, but I will acknowledge a few more in addition to Jan: my Church Peeps, PRESBY, the Perry Ministerial Association, the Rotary Club, the Perry Piecemakers, Kathy Fox’s singing group, the Perry High School music and drama students and teachers who’ve entertained me. I will especially miss the people at the hotel (Jenny, you really have the best crew!).
Those who have come to my rescue to pick up downed tree branches, install water heaters, helped me at the post office and the water department, explained to me how to install a door knob, kept my car running, the staff at Fareway and Hy-Vee, all the artists in town — you are the ones who first drew me here (ssshhh, even before I interviewed for FPC! 😊).
To everyone who has touched my life, I thank you from the bottom of my heart.
And so, as I write this, I am spending my final night in town at the hotel, looking forward to a new future, while at the same time, so sad to leave. I will always treasure my time here, but “I’ll be back!” occasionally to visit.
Pastor Lynne Hanna
Perry
