While reading The Banner article on Dee Recker's retirement, I was struck by the depth of her experience. Over the course of her time with the CRCNA, Dee has worked for eight different senior leaders and has helped to administer 23 synods and 70 Board of Trustees or Council of Delegates meetings. If you're curious which synods stand out, check out this interview with Dee Recker.
Have you worked with Dee in any capacity? If so, we'd love for you to share a memory or note below. I guarantee it will make her smile!
Comments
Dee, was one of the first people I met when I started working for the CRCNA 20 years ago. We shared (and continue to share) a love of chocolate. She made me feel welcome and helped me get settled in those early months. She's worked very hard for many years. May retirement be sweet, my friend!
Oh Dee! Remember the first time we met at synod? I had heard so many good things about you from my dad, Rev. Will Verhoef, who enjoyed you at synods and through work as a synodical deputee and classical clerk. Forget hollywood movie stars or famous theologians. Dee Recker was FAMOUS in our house! ;-) And then I FINALLY got to meet you at Synod 2013. All the "Dee" stories were brought to life - your kindness, your care for our community, your excellent work, your smile, and just enough playfulness to feel a bit like family. Thanks for using those God-given gifts for so many years in the CRCNA. We are better because you did -- to God be the glory! Thanks Dee - and so much love to you!
Dee and I worked together in my role as administrative support for the Candian Ministries Director. What fun it was to help organize meeting planning and logistics for Board of Trustee meetings that were held in Canada. For 7 years I had the pleasure of assisting Dee in the work for the annual meetings of synod by managing the work of the synod office. Dee, I will miss your wonderful smile and encouraging words. You were a wonderful mentor to me. I wish you the most restful and fulfilled retirement season. And, keep smiling that wonderful smile!
Dee, I sure enjoyed working with you as we occasionally crossed paths in the DO. I knew I could ask you any question and you always greeted me and others with a respectful listening ear and great answers. You will be sincerely missed. Enjoy your family and retirement. God bless, Laura
Dee, you guided the Churches for over two decades and me, for about 10 years. I was Stated Clerk of Classis Chicago South and, more recently, a Synodical Deputy from Classis Grandville. Early on, I tried to sneak a minor infraction past your attention under the motto, "Sometimes you have to break the rules!" Never again. Thank you for your wisdom on several occasions. I might add, during a decade when our classes and councils seemed more likely to ignore the Church Order and Supplements and thus produce increased chaos, you provided much orderliness. May you have a productive and orderly retirement!
Dee, you were equally amazing in the exalted heights of the D.O. and on the podium at so many synods. You were such a committed, helpful, kind, loving, open, and fun presence in both venues. Thanks so much for your service, especially when things got rough. Not sure how, in those times you managed kindness and grit at the same time but that was often exactly what was needed. Enjoy retirement and consider yourself lucky that you are not being subjected to the sendoff yours truly gave his not-as-good-looking but much more learned brother at a previous synod. Many blessings!
Thank you, Dee, for teaching me to pay attention to the details! I'm also forever grateful for the cinnamon bread recipe from the Eet Smakelijk book that you introduced me to.
I'm so glad I was blessed to have worked with you for a brief portion of your tenure with the CRCNA, Dee. You have always been my COD agenda/minutes wording expert resource! I'll miss our interactions at COD. I'm also grateful that we could share our voice challenge stories! Enjoy your time of retirement and the next chapter in your book of adventures!
Dee, you were such a rock in the DO and especially during Synod. You are the master of preparations and care for delegates - you will be so missed. But, I'm also so happy for you - well done! And many blessings for the next chapter.
Dee, thanks so much for serving the Lord faithfully all these years. The Lord bless you richly in Jesus name
Dee was the glue that helped us as the BOT (Board of Trustees) operate effectively. She was loyal to the executives that she assisted and probably trained many. What a blessing she has been to the CRC!
Thank you Dee for your grace and care for all of us over the years! My memories of the various Synods that I had the privilege of attending are blessed because of the detail and care that you gave to each one of the delegates!
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