Service is for those who have lost a loved one
A couple who found happiness in 2007 is reaching out to those in pain.
The Rev. Gary Pierce and his wife, Sally Pierce, will lead the "Longest Night" worship service at 5 p.m. Dec. 22 at Batavia United Methodist Church, 8 N. Batavia Ave. (Route 31). Sally is a chaplain at the Holmstad retirement community in Batavia.
The service is designed for those who have experienced a recent loss, such as the death of a loved one, a divorce or the loss of a relationship.
"There are a lot of people who might say they don't want to come to the service, they don't want to be reminded of their loss," Gary Pierce said.
"But when people don't acknowledge the hurt, they bury it inside and turn inward and isolate themselves. Then there may be more problems with depression.
"This service acknowledges that together we share the light of Jesus that shines in the darkness," he added. "Even though we may be feeling pain, he brings hope and healing."
Pierce is pastor of congregational care and outreach at the church and is a licensed clinical professional counselor. This will be his second year of officiating at the special church service.
Those who attend will have the opportunity to receive individual consultation following the service.
"We'd love to be able to minister to the people of our community," Pierce said. "Our purpose is not to get them to come to our church."
A pleasant surprise: Pierce was visiting parishioners from Batavia United Methodist Church who live at the Holmstad retirement community in August 2006 when he heard there was a new chaplain.
"I decided to stick my head in and say hello," he recalled. "I guess I expected a 'he.' But I was pleasantly surprised to meet Sally. We began seeing each other socially. I invited her to do the service with me last year."
The couple was married in August at Batavia United Methodist Church, with the Rev. Michael Stoner officiating.
For details on the service, call (630) 879-7060.
Opp installed: The Rev. Doug Opp was installed as senior pastor of Geneva Evangelical Lutheran Church Nov. 18.
The Rev. Hector Garfias-Toledo, an associate with the bishop of the Metropolitan Chicago Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, presided at the installation services and was guest preacher.
Opp began serving the Geneva Lutheran faith community in October. He previously served St. John's Lutheran Church in Jamestown, N.D., for the past 10 years. He also served at St. John's Lutheran Church in Cushing, Iowa. Opp and his wife, Julie, and daughter Danae live in Geneva.
Opp received his master of divinity degree from Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary, Berkeley, Calif., in May 1991, and his bachelor of arts degree in religion from Nebraska Wesleyan University, Lincoln, Neb., in May 1985.
Geneva Lutheran Church offers services at 5:30 p.m. Saturdays and 8 and 10:30 a.m. Sundays at 301 S. Third St., Geneva.
ngier@dailyherald.com