a column dedicated to the folks in the pews
Written by Dale Buchanan
Dennis Freeman has been a member of the Big Red Church for quite some time. He recalls that he arrived at the same time as Norman Broadbent became our settled minister, which would mean he has been here between 10 and 11 years. When I was approached about writing this column dedicated to those who serve from our pews, I was amazed at the number of you who spend an inordinate amount of your time serving this church. Dennis is just such a person. Working behind the scenes, he is one of our unsung heroes.
Have you ever wondered who does a host of the odd jobs that make our worship and fellowship so pleasant and worry free? We know the minister. We line up to shake his hand in appreciation, and that is only right. However, there are so many more who serve in support behind the scenes that deserve our thanks and even praise.
I sat down on a pleasant Sunday afternoon recently and interviewed Dennis. I must confess that until that moment I had never spoken to him. My loss! Dennis was born in Taft. His family lived in Tulare, Fresno, San Jose, and Felton where he graduated from high school in 1955. Somewhere along the line, the interview turned into a conversation and we talked. Dennis is a retired Civil Maintenance Superintendent for the San Luis and Delta Mendota Water Authority. The Delta Mendota Canal begins at Tracy and stretches 101 miles to Mendota.
While it is true that Dennis works behind the scenes and does odd jobs at the Big Red Church that most of us never think about, it is also true that he likes people and enjoys working with and being a part of that “roll up your sleeves” multitude of Christians who keep the lights burning and the water running.
One last thought about Dennis. He is a natural storyteller with 10 years of stories about the behind-the-scenes folks and their adventures. I highly recommend that you find an hour when Jason does not have him busy and get to know Dennis. You will not regret it.
Dale Buchanan is a member of FCCF with a passion for stories and writing. In between penning his own memoirs, he is helping us get to know our members, one pew at a time.