CURRY TO GRADS: FEAST DAILY OF FAITH, HOPE AND LOVE
Sunday’s worship service led by Freeman Ministerial Association touches on loss, hope, excitement for what the future holds
A member of the Freeman High School Class of 2024 lost too soon in a car accident late last year was remembered through passages of scripture she had noted in her Bible, Pastor Stuart Curry reminded the graduates that this was not the end of something but rather the beginning of a new opportunity, and those gathered enjoyed a taco buffet as the 2024 Freeman Ministerial Community Baccalaureate unfolded inside the Freeman Community Center late Sunday afternoon, May 5.
The traditional worship service included involvement from seven pastors active in the Freeman Ministerial Association “and we’re keeping it under an hour,” joked Shane VanMeveren, pastor of the Bethany Church. “God does some mysterious things.”
Many of the seniors and their families from both Freeman Academy and Freeman Public were in attendance, and at the front of the auditorium was a framed picture of Megan Rollag resting on an easel with a maroon and white tassel hanging on a corner of the frame. Rollag died in a single-vehicle accident early last December.
“We find ourselves in an interesting place as we reflect upon the landscape of our memories, both bright and somber,” Curry said while introducing the scripture passages that would be read. “As you look back you can see vibrant successes, friendships forged, academic triumphs, moments of laughter, fun; yet we also remember the disappointments, the failures, the loss. And these moments, perhaps painful to revisit, are essential for our growth. They remind us of our capacity to persevere in the face of challenge.”
Curry said that, on Dec. 2, “Megan graduated. She graduated from this life to heaven; there is no greater place to be than in the arms of Jesus, and Megan is there while we stay here in sorrow and loss.”
One of the things closest to Megan, Curry continued, was the Bible on her nightstand, and in that Bible the family discovered a host of passages Megan had noted — four of which were read on Sunday:
Psalm 143 read by Pastor Tom Brown of Bethlehem Reformed OPC;
James 1: 19-21 and Mark 12: 29-31 read by Pastor Randall Koehler of Hutterthal Mennonite, and;
1 Corinthians 13 read by Pastor Spencer Bradford of Salem Mennonite.
“Megan’s essence will always live on in our hearts,” Curry said. “She is forever etched in the fabric of your life.”
The pastor also noted that, even in loss, this season is one of celebration.
“We want to be excited for this day,” he said, and in his address later in the service titled “A Journey of Hope,” Curry equated graduation to the arrival of spring.
“As the grip of winter begins to loosen, it allows nature to being to emerge,” he said. “And what does it do for us? It gives us hope. It gives us that energy, that potential, for what is next.”
“Graduating from high school really signifies the beginning of a new, exciting (journey),” Curry continued. “We can see it as a fresh opportunity for personal growth.”
The pastor concluded his message by comparing the journey ahead to the taco buffet that was about to be enjoyed in that both give way for choice. In the same way one might pick their favorite toppings, or a favorite dish at a potluck, so can they fill their day “with the good stuff.”
“We should have a daily feast,” Curry said. “We should daily feast on faith, hope and love. These are the greatest treasurers. Faith guides us, hope sustains us and love enriches our lives. As you navigate life’s buffet, remember to fill your plates — fill yourselves — with enduring virtues, because they’re going to form the foundation of a truly fulfilling existence.
“So look to the adventure, the growth of every season, and look to God, even in the midst of the season of the hard times.”
Other pastors involved in Sunday’s baccalaureate included Corey Miller of Salem-Zion Mennonite and Stephen Roussos of the Freeman Missionary Church, and the service featured a worship team led by Craig and Lois Wollman that included graduating seniors from both schools: Ava Andersen, Sam Clark, Stefany Cortes, Cami Fransen, Rylie Gossen, Riley Knittel, Liam Ortman, Kaytlin Pankratz and Sam Waltner.
Sunday’s service can be watched in its entirety on the Salem-Zion Mennonite Church’s YouTube channel.
