Michael Longfellow has resigned as senior pastor of New Life Church in Chanute, Kansas. He has been the pastor since 2001, growing the church’s attendance from 30 to 120. He has also been cluster leader for the UB churches in Kansas and Missouri. His last Sunday will be June 12, 2011.

Michael and Lori and family (six children) have felt led to move to Wyoming to pastor Rock Springs Christian Church, a small congregation of 30-35 people in the denomination in which Michael was ordained in 1999.

On April 28 (Thursday), those of you who subscribe to Feedburner received an email saying that Wilmer Houck, pastor of the UB church in Coleta, Ill., would undergo brain surgery on May 4. That was wrong information–right family, wrong person. Actually, it is Juli Houck, Wilmer’s wife, who will have surgery. The error was quickly corrected on UBCentral, but not before the Feedburner emails went out (it’s done automatically). I apologize for the mistake. We do ask your prayers for Juli. — Steve Dennie

Donelle Raab passed away at approximately 7:30 am on Monday, May 2, 2011. She had been in hospice care throughout the weekend, and her condition was declining. We’ll post other details as we learn them. She and her husband, Richard, who passed away in January 2010, served UB churches in Michigan. Donelle held a Specialized Ministry license. You can read previous posts here and here.

Visitation: Thursday, May 5, 2-5 pm and 6-9 pm.
Visitation Location: Stroo Funeral Home, 1095 68th SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49508.

Funeral: 11 am Friday, May 6. Visitation 10-10:45 am
Funeral Location: Banner of Christ Church, 1111 68th St., Byron Center, MI 49315.

Richard Self, father of Eric Self, senior pastor of Mount Zion UB (Junction City, Ohio), underwent double-bypass surgery on April 27 in Columbus, Ohio. Annette Self, Eric’s wife, reports that he came through “with flying colors.”

Julie Houck, whose husband is pastor of the UB church in Coleta, Ill., will undergo brain surgery on Wednesday, May 4. The surgery will occur at St. Anthony’s hospital in Rockford, Ill.

Julie writes: “A trip to ER for stroke-like symptoms a week ago found a golfball-size tumor on the left side of my brain, growing daily. We are asking for the ‘regular’ things like peace and trust, and healing, maybe even a miracle, also that we have made the right decisions so far, and that God will intervene if we haven’t. We have heard that I have a great surgeon, but unsure where he stands with the Lord. I would love to be His tool to display Himself to this man, and will leave it in his hands. My encouragement is to keep enjoying every moment as it comes.”

Please remember Wilmer and Julie Houck and family in your prayers.

Donelle Raab is now in hospice care, as reported earlier. David Raab, her son, reports that she is not responding as hoped to steroids. “If tomorrow does not see the results (which would be day 5 of steroids) mom (we) decided that there would be no prodding of offering food or water. Hard to let her go, but praise and glory to God who is taking her home soon.”

Sunfield UB church has hired a new worship coordinator: Caleb Hugo from Dewitt, Mich. He and his wife, Liz, will begin serving in May 2011. Caleb is a graduate of Cornerstone University in Grand Rapids, Mich., and a recent graduate of Michigan State University with a Masters in Music Composition.

Steven Parish, 54, a former United Brethren pastor in Michigan, passed away unexpectedly on April 18, 2011. A memorial service was held April 21 at Nashville Baptist Church in Nashville, Mich. He is survived by his wife, Kimberly, and three daughters.

We learned that Donelle Raab (right), wife of former UB minister Dick Raab, is not doing well. In January 2008, she was diagnosed with a cancerous tumor on her spinal column. She underwent surgery and radiation treatments. But on Thursday, April 21, tests showed fluid accumulating in pockets throughout her body, rather than going to her vital organs.

Her son David wrote on Facebook, “Her liver has decided not to do its job. It looks like the fight is coming to a close. Doc doesn’t see hope for her to kick the troubles she is experiencing right now.”

The doctor said he could put her in the hospital and run more tests, but they might never learn what is discovering the problem.

Donelle said she wanted no more tests or treatments, and that she is ready to meet her Lord. The doctor suggested they get set up with hospice, which they did on Friday, April 22.

Donnelle has no strength, and needs 24-hour care. Please pray for the family during these difficult days.

Dick and Donnelle served 42 years in the pastoral ministry, retiring in January 2007 from their last pastorate, Richfield Road UB church in Flint, Mich. Dick passed away January 1, 2010, after his own battle with cancer. Donelle holds a Specialized Ministries license, and until the end of 2007 was a member of the denominational Women’s Ministry Team.

Donelle’s son David is giving updates on his mother on her Facebook page. Donelle is too weak to talk on the phone. However, cards are appreciated. Her address is 1914 Jackpine Ct., Dorr, MI 49316.

Alice Clay, 89, passed away on April 19, 2011, in Wakarusa, Ind. She was the wife of Rev. Burley Clay, a pastor in the United Brethren church and Missionary church for 58 years. He and Alice served six churches in Arizona, California, Ohio, and Michigan.

Alice grew up in Phoenix, Ariz., and graduated in 1944 from Fort Wayne Bible Institute with a music degree. She and Burley met at college and were married in 1944. Burley died in September 2010. The Clays had six children, all of whom survive. One daughter is Polly Dunten, whose husband, Darwin Dunten, is senior pastor of First UB church in Findley, Ohio. Darwin will officiate at the funeral.

Visitation: Friday, April 22, 4-6 pm and 6-8 pm.
Visitation Location: Walker Funeral Home, 5155 W. Sylvania Ave., Toledo, Ohio.
Funeral: 11 am Saturday, April 23.
Funeral Location: Redeemer Community Church, 5321 Springdale Ave., Toledo, Ohio.