August 22, 2020
It's been another eventful week here in Sacramento. It's definitely a time to hold one another in prayer, as well as all of the firefighters and first responders who are overwhelmed by so many wildfires. Our concern remains for medical personnel and essential workers who continue to put themselves in harm's way as the COVID-19 pandemic rages on. And our prayers surround all those who are sick, lost, hurting, and without hope.
Another occurrence that has touched us all at Bethany was the August 17 death of Rev. Dr. Dick Wylie. Dick had been struggling with many health issues in recent years. Many of you know Dick, as he had various connections to Bethany over the decades, including serving on the advisory board of The Gathering storytelling ministry that originated at Bethany. Dick had been a member of Sacramento Presbytery since 1981 when he became an Associate Executive of the Sierra Mission Area (Presbyteries of Sacramento, Stockton, Nevada, and San Joaquin) in stewardship and mission; communication and mass media; and evangelism and church growth for all of the 125 congregations of the SMA. In 1990 he went into interim ministry, serving five different congregations and two parish associate opportunities at Fremont and Westminster Presbyterian Churches here in Sacramento. He officially retired in 1994 after completing three years at Fair Oaks Presbyterian Church. Since then Dick had attended Westminster with his wife Joan (married for 65 plus years). They have three children, five grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. Please keep Joan and the family in your prayers.
Dick earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Alma College (Michigan), Master of Counseling degree from Western Michigan University, and Master of Divinity and Doctor of Ministry degrees from McCormick Theological Seminary in Chicago. He was truly a gifted communicator and leader.
Westminster Presbyterian Pastor Wes Nordman writes: “Dick was such a faithful servant of God for many years, a blessing to so, so many people in this church, presbytery and beyond. He will be missed, but I thank God for his long, joyous life.” As we pause to remember Dick’s years of service and leadership, we give thanks for his good-natured, honest and caring ministry.
The passing of anyone we love is a time of sadness … and yet also an opportunity to celebrate his or her life. Let’s all continue to hold each other in prayer and—whenever possible—to rejoice in lives well-lived.
In Christ,
Jesse
Rev. Dr. Dick Wylie
