I left the Sunday evening Unity Service organized by the Fountain Hills Christian Ministerial Association both tearful and joyful.

Tearful because we prayed for the victims and families of those involved in the horrific shooting in Orlando.

Tears also were shed because a moving prayer was lifted up at the service by Presbyterian Church Pastor Bill Good for my close friend and pastor, Don Lawrence.

Don recently announced he would be retiring as lead pastor at Christ’s Church of Fountain Hills after founding the church more than 32 years ago.

Don has been a pillar of this town and of the Christian community here for all those decades. His fellow Fountain Hills pastors clearly have respect and admiration for this man of God.

Pastor Bill should be commended for taking the time to recognize Don and to offer a prayer, inviting those in attendance to lay on hands as well, blessing him and his future endeavors.

It was joyful too because alongside Pastor Don and receiving prayerful encouragement was Pastor Trent Renner, who was recently called to become the new lead pastor at Christ’s Church of Fountain Hills.

Pastor Trent gave his first official “message” as CCFH’s senior pastor on Sunday morning, and the future looks certainly bright for our congregation.

Kudos to the Christian Ministerial Association for organizing yet another successful joint sermon series – “We’re in this Boat Together” – and for organizing the Unity Service. It’s a blessing in this community to gather as one and celebrate our common bond in Jesus instead of focusing on differences and dogmas.

Thanks for an evening of celebration and praise!