The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
Dessa Rodeffer, Quill Publisher-Owner
Cindy Anders, head of the Celebration Committee for retiring Bruce Goettsche, pulled off a beautiful celebration Sunday afternoon introducing Master of Ceremonies Dennis Ostrander from Burlington's Christian Radio station who introduced the speakers lined up for the toast to the Union Church's long-time beloved pastor to thank him for his spiritual leadership and guidance and love for his congregation and community in which he served.
The event held at the local La Harpe school gymnasium gave everyone the opportunity to show their appreciation for this man of God who was their pastor, teacher, and good friend along with published author, broadcaster, community leader, celebrator, and emotional healer of tragedy and loss that life brings to a community.
Bill Rasmussen got it right when he said if you met someone in a far away place who has heard of La Harpe, all you have to ask: "Do you know Bruce?" and they know exactly who you are talking about. He doesn't need a last name.
It's not because his last name is hard to spell and pronounce, GOETTSCHE, (Gat–che) but its that Bruce is an icon in La Harpe ... much like Doc Mueller and several other unique individuals who Bill mentioned that has made the town of La Harpe so special a place to live in.
Bruce has been pastor at the Union Church of La Harpe 43 years, a non-denominational gathering of believers who teach the gospel lessons and stories of Jesus and God's love straight from God's inspired word, the Holy Bible.
Bruce came to La Harpe from Chicago in 1981 with no plans except to follow God's lead. Many thought, with his great preaching abilities, that he would soon move on to a larger charge, but Bruce never felt more at home or more called to witness and preach in a place than in La Harpe.
He explained to those in attendance, what a joy it was every day to come to work. I love my job. It's not because it's not fun anymore that he's retiring but it's time, he said.
Bruce has gone through some health issues, "and Rick is ready," he said. And "I want to live with my wife who lives and works in Chicago," which he hasn't been able to do full time due to their long-distance relationship.
And Bruce, with more than 20 published books, still has more books to write.
Bruce hopes that anyone who has one of his poems he wrote for a funeral or event would please give him a copy that he might use in his writings.
For Bruce, the idea of publicly celebrating his life was not what he felt comfortable with. In fact, it was very moving and humbling Bruce said to listen to the praise they were pouring upon him.
"I feel like I just heard my Eulogy!" He explained when they had finished more than two hours of praise.
What you must understand, Bruce said, is that I'm just an empty vessel. It's not me. It's God who directs my life. I want them to see it is Jesus.
And about giving to the community and my friends and church members, he said, you must understand that "I have receive back much more than I give. It's a two-way street."
The seven speakers at the "Celebration of Bruce" were: MC Dennis Ostrander Christian radio manager from Burlington, Iowa; Jon Heyland from Ft. Madison of Harvest Bible Church; Charlie Apt retired principal at La Harpe schools; Kevin Beals La Harpe, retired from Banks & Beals Funeral Home, formerly of La Harpe attorney Bill Rasmussen now of Carthage, his daughter Rachel Goettsche Batson whose husband pastors the Fountain Green Church, and his son Rick Goettsche Union Church Associate Pastor who will take over as lead pastor February 1st.
Rick said he purposely talked last, because of his father, who he loves and respects so much, wanted to make sure this is not all about him, but it is about the gospel and the Lord who gives him the wisdom and strength for each day and each occasion. He wanted people to know in all things they can come to Jesus.
The afternoon brought plenty of laughter and tears with each speaker as they shared many funny stories and emotional moments.
Refreshments were served and a memory table provided for people to share their memories for Bruce to read later.
The entire ceremony was videoed and can be seen on Youtube at: https://youtu.be/v4FNrW3zTW4.