SABBATICAL CELEBRATION BIDS PASTOR FAREWELL

It was a celebration like no other at the Good Shepherd Episcopal Church in Hayesville.

The occasion was the Sabbatical Kick-off Ceremony for Rev. John Rice, and Welcome to the Revs. Robert and Patricia Reuss of Oak Ridge, Tennessee, who will replace him for three months.

Festivities began in the Parish Hall, which was filled to capacity with well-wishers who braved the windy rainstorm to honor the pastors.  Lining the Narthex end to end were tables overflowing with beautifully presented salads, vegetables, casseroles and meats pleasing to every palate.

A special treat was the dessert table displaying eight home-made cakes prepared by the loving hands of parishioner, Hattie Sheehy. The “made from scratch” creations were skillfully decorated to reflect themes relevant to the occasion: Fr. John’s hobbies and interests (gardening, fishing; Sabbatical education, and travel); Inspiration (footprints in the sand), and a round layered cake decorated with colorful spring flowers to welcome to the incoming pastors.

After dinner everyone moved into the sanctuary where the Reverends John and Debra Rice and Bob and Pat Reuss, all four ordained Episcopal priests, enjoyed an evening of music and special presentations.

Harry Baughn led the program as Master of Ceremonies. Special songs were sung by The Joyful Noise, the church’s informal choral group. Youths, led by Lois Ann Wentzel, sang So Long, Farewell from Sound of Music, at the end of which, they presented flowers to the departing Fr. John and his wife.

A highlight of the evening was a laugh-a-minute sketch lampooning both incoming and outgoing clerics. The action took place on the set of WGOD-TV.  In addition to the anchors, played by Rev. Turner Guidry and Bev Larson, the show featured “on the scene” reporters Rachel Baughn, Linda Wingo and Betsi Wilson, with characters played by Amy Nicolson, Sue and Bob LeKites, Georgia Bethel, and Harry Baughn. The skit was directed by Laurel Adams.

Adding to the fun-filled evening was a delightful musical ditty by Rachel Baughn. In her beautiful mezzo-soprano voice, she sang limericks listing all the Church Sabbatical activities planned for the congregation. A special video was shown by Tim Frazer covering past events at Good Shepherd, many involving pastors Rice and Reuss and members of the congregation.

A special gift was awarded to Pam Roman by Holley Calmes, who co-chaired the evening events with Betsi Wilson. Bud Edmonson and Teresa Gribble presented gifts to the honorees.

At the close of a most enjoyable evening, everyone joined hands and sang two of Fr. John’s favorite songs─Weave Us Together, Lord and Drop Kick Me, Jesus.