35-year ministry ends: Aurora church celebrates retiring pastor

More than 100 attendees packed a luncheon program at New England Congregational Church in Aurora Sunday, Oct. 17, to salute 35 years of service by the Rev. Gary McCann.

The Rev. McCann and his wife Judy, accompanied by their children, were feted at the 'thank-you celebration" in Friendship Hall. Hosted by the church's transition team and planned by a 10-member committee, the 90-minute event followed Sunday morning worship services. Rev. McCann retired in January.

Bagpiper Kate Longrid performed as guests entered the banquet room. To open the event, congregation member and program emcee Scott Voris gave a welcome and prayer. After a buffet luncheon, Voris added an introduction which was followed by remarks from the Rev. Brandon Perrine, the Rev. McCann's successor.

Then the Rev. McCann reflected on highlights of his 35-year tenure at New England Congregational Church.

Accomplishments he cited included an increase in attendance, church property upgrades, helping start Aurora Area Interfaith Food Pantry, helping revive Fox Valley Orchestra, and church participation in Aurora's pride parade.

Church members and friends contributed to three gift presentations after the Rev. McCann's reflections. Congregants Barb Vavrinek and Sue Scheuerman presented a tub of gifts to Judy McCann, honoring her service. Bill Donnell, a congregation member and Aurora Ward 4 alderman, presented a $1,600 travel voucher to the Rev. McCann. The McCanns are avid travelers.

Congregant Ina Heup presented "Be Thou My Vision," a piano composition arranged by Mark Hayes. An inscription on the framed piece reads, "To Gary McCann, whose vision of ministry at New England Congregational Church in Aurora, Illinois often extended from the pulpit to the piano."

Heup said the only "string" attached to the presentation was a request for the Rev. McCann to give a public performance of the piece at the church.

Two benedictions closed the program. The Rev. Perrine gave an oral benediction and congregants Jim and Ina Heup gave a choral benediction.

A print program given to attendees saluted the Rev. McCann in a statement titled "Himself." The statement includes, "Gary is both interested and interesting. He is interested in the church, the community, families, art, music, literature and in all of us and each of us. He is interesting because he is a continual learner and draws others to sharing his interests. He loves travel and became a travel agent for all of us for the wonderful trips we have taken together. He sees that the church is sparkling and beautiful, the music is first rate, the reserve fund is solid, and the traditions fresh and fun. Most important is Gary's insight, humor, and kindness. These attributes have made difficult times easier and happy times more memorable."

Quotes from "Anam Cara," a book by Irish poet John O'Donohue, were posted on lunch tables. The Rev. McCann often preached from the book. "Anam cara" is Celtic for soul friend. Emcee Voris said the cards will be presented to the Rev. McCann later.

The program was recorded for posting on the church's YouTube site.