General News
24 June, 2023
Church sends off retiring pastor in style
A Wimmera church congregation has paid tribute to its retiring pastor Norm McLean after he resigned because of ill health.
A Wimmera church congregation has paid tribute to its retiring pastor Norm McLean after he resigned because of ill health.
Mr McLean, who has led the small Warracknabeal Baptist Church congregation for about a decade, said yesterday he had been overwhelmed by comments and gifts presented to him and wife Marlene.
"It was a privilege to serve the Warracknabeal church and community for those 10 years," Mr McLean said.
During a service last Sunday, Baptist Union regional pastor Reverend Graeme Semple of Geelong acknowledged the dedication of Mr and Mrs McLean to the Warracknabeal congregation.
Among gifts presented was a 'prayer quilt' made by members of Syndal Baptist Church and presented by friend Bruce Eager of Melbourne.
Geoff Smith of the Warracknabeal congregation and Horsham Church of Christ representative Graham Kitchen also paid tribute to Mr and Mrs McLean before a shared lunch.
The Horsham church has helped with services during Mr McLean's recent illness.
Mr McLean was a teacher at Dimboola Memorial Secondary College and Murtoa College and was also a keen musician and entertainer.
He played in several Horsham bands, entertaining across the state and in South Australia.
An accident to his hand ended his musical career six years ago.
Mr McLean, who lives in Horsham and had travelled frequently to Warracknabeal, said the church was on the hunt for another pastor.
Leadership team member Steve Knight of Warracknabeal is helping with leading services and preaching.
.