CELEBRATING PASTOR STRAIGHT
On June 17th, Rev. Charles Straight officially retired after 13 years as pastor of Faith United Methodist Church-Dolton. And it was a celebration fit for a king – complete with a guestlist that included the “who’s who” of Chicago politics and clergy, a meal that you would expect to be served after Sunday service (by the sweetest members of the mother’s board), and more LOVE than anyone could ever really hope for. But it was exactly the right amount of love for a man whose life and legacy has unquestionably impacted anyone who is reading this.
Despite the pomp and circumstance, however, this celebration was ceremonial at best. As Rev. Jessie Jackson said (by way of his son, Congressman Jonathon Jackson who was present at the celebration), “there is no retirement in ministry.” So, while the day-to-day duties of pastoring may be behind Rev. Straight, the next phase of his God-given mission is just beginning.
