This past Sunday, 8-7-22, I was privileged to join Freeport Mennonite Church for the ordination of Pastor Kenneth “Ken” Hawes, pictured here with his wife, Stephanie, and with me. Ken and family moved from Alaska in the spring of 2019 to accept the call from the Freeport congregation, just after the start of COVID quarantine. The congregation welcomed them warmly, while distancing and offering support as best they could for their new pastor and his family.

Freeport is known for its MCC meat canning event which takes place each December. Pastor Ken tells of each year’s uncertainty with Covid restrictions and cost factors, and yet, each year, he says, God said, “Look what I am going to do!” and more meat was canned than the years before. The local community comes together to join with Freeport and other congregations to make this important event possible.

It was my joy as a member of the Church Life Team to ordain Ken to the service of Christ and the Freeport congregation on behalf of Illinois Mennonite Conference.

Anne Perkins Munley

Pastor, North Suburban Mennonite Church

Member, Church Life Team