On Sunday, we announced in the services at Rockford that interim Pastor Don Denyes was in a serious bike accident. He suffered an injury to his spinal cord as well as cuts, scrapes, and bruises. He had surgery to fuse part of his neck and upper back. He does not currently have full use of his arms and legs but seems to be making small improvements each day; we are praying for total healing. Don loves our church, he loves all of you, and he is stepping down from his role as interim pastor out of necessity as he faces extended hospitalization.
Please be praying for Don and Nancy. Pray for healing, for comfort, for strength, and for peace for them and their family. Don has been a blessing to our church over the past 8 months, and we’re incredibly thankful for his ministry.
As a church, we have been through a lot over the past year, and now we’re facing the sudden absence of someone who’s been faithfully shepherding our Rockford congregation through the preaching of the Word. This is another significant loss. If you feel confused, discouraged, or overwhelmed, you are not alone.
Whatever you are feeling, it is good to remind ourselves of who our God is. Psalm 46 reminds us that “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.”(v.1) Even if it seems like every part of our life is shaken, “we will not fear.”(v.2) We have a confident hope because God is with His church. “God is in the midst of her, she shall not be moved.”(v.5) He says, “Be still and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in all the earth!”(v.10) Let these words from God lift our eyes from the heaviness we can feel from our circumstances to the greatness and faithfulness of our God.
With this confidence, our staff are working to adjust responsibilities so that ministry can continue to thrive. Don’s primary role on our team was helping with the majority of the Sunday morning preaching at the Rockford Campus. Stu Quackenbush will be stepping into this role as we enter the fall. Steve Welch and Stu will continue to serve in the role of interim leadership. We believe deeply in what God is doing here and want to encourage you to remain prayerful, stay connected in community, and do not hesitate to bring us any questions you might have.
If you’d like to send a note of encouragement to Don and Nancy, please send it to:
Don and Nancy Denyes
South Church
5250 Cornerstone Drive
Lansing, MI 48917
In Christ
Stu Quackenbush, Steve Welch, Steve High, Kim Fedrigo
Psalm 46:11- The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.
