With tears in their eyes, the Rev. Lawrence Reimer and the Rev. Sandra Reimer smiled and hugged as they thanked the congregation that packed University Auditorium Sunday morning.
“We can think of nothing more important that God has with more truth and light,” Lawrence Reimer told the crowd.
The Reimers, both 68, are retiring after 38 years of service to the United Church of Gainesville. The congregation celebrated the Reimers’ ministry with a two-hour service of celebration and recognition.
The ceremony included live music, testimonies from longtime members and special presentations.
“We celebrate how Lawrence and Sandy blessed us with their friendship and love for 38 years,” longtime member Sanford Berg said.
The Reimers, who are married, began their ministry at the United Church of Gainesville in January 1974. During their time with the church, they dealt with growing budgets and the relocation and renovation of their building, which used to be where Burrito Bros. Taco Co. is today.
The musical congregation performed songs such as Lawrence Reimer’s “Bump a Rump” and “A-la-la-la-la-la-la-la-le-lu-ia.”
The Reimers were honored for their social justice work in the community, especially when Florida reinstated the death penalty. Women of the congregation praised Sandra Reimer for her famous sermon “Eve Re-Framed.”
“We all grieve together for the end of this chapter in our lives,” member Jenny Hill said.
The Reimers’ sons, Chris and Matt Reimer, added comedy to the ceremony with ‘The Top 14 things of being a preacher’s kids.”
Near the end of the ceremony, the Florida Conference Minister of the United Church of Christ declared Nov. 18 to be Larry and Sandy Reimer Day. After, the Reimers were presented with a $5,000 AAA card and a travel account with $11,000.
John Schert, 60, has been a member of the United Church of Gainesville for 18 years. The Reimers performed his marriage ceremony, baptized his daughter and gave the memorial service for his late wife.
“They have a deep personal connection with a wide diversity of people,” Schert said.
The United Church of Gainesville, which began in 1965 with 62 members, accepts members of different faiths, beliefs, genders, sexual orientations and marital statuses.
“This is the kind of church people join who would never join a church,” Schert said.
A search committee is being assembled to find one full-time pastor to replace the Reimers, who were both working part time.
After the ceremony, about 585 parishioners attended a barbecue picnic at Prairie Creek Lodge. Those not attending lined up after the service to say their goodbyes to the Reimers.
“I have such gratitude, and this is such a blessing,” Sandra Reimer said. “My heart is flowing with love.”
After about 40 years of service, worshippers join hands and say farewell to the Rev. Lawrence Reimer and the Rev. Sandy Reimer, both 68, at University Auditorium.
