In Memory of Dennis Luker, United Church of God President

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In Memory of Dennis Luker, United Church of God President

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This letter from Robin Webber (Chairman of the Council of Elders) was addressed to United Church of God members and posted to the UCG Members' Website.

This letter is to inform you that United Church of God president, Dennis Luker, died today, March 14. He spent his last physical days residing in his hometown of Seattle, Washington, surrounded by his loving wife, LeeAnn, and their immediate family.

Thank you for your prayers and fasting during this challenging time for them, and for God's blessings on this transitional period for the United Church of God. Our Heavenly Father's will for Denny has been made known at this time—even though it is not news that we humanly desire. At the same time, I am reminded of his constant encouragement to reflect on the promising words of Romans 8:28: "And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose."

Mr. Luker knew "that my Redeemer lives" (Job 19:25) and now awaits the trumpet call with so many other faithful saints down through the ages (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18). I know that LeeAnn would ask us all to continue to pray for others who are challenged with spiritual, emotional and health issues—and that God will grant His peace to them (Philippians 4:6-7).

Dennis and LeeAnn, as a pastoral couple, have given 50 years of their lives in service to others. And yes, they truly came as a "couple." They are loved far and wide beyond our own Church sphere, throughout the entire Church of God community. He brought an enthusiasm for speaking of the always-present love of God and the necessity of having Jesus Christ as the center of our lives.

Denny's service to the United Church of God had a dynamic impact not just recently, but also in our formative years. He served on the original Advisory Council of Elders in 1995. Since then he has served as a member of the Council of Elders, as a church pastor, as a regional pastor, been part of the Ministerial Services team and of recent years, our Church president.

Please remember LeeAnn, the children, the grandchildren, the great-grandchildren and all their family members—in our prayers that God will grant them comfort in this most challenging of life's chapters. More details will be forthcoming regarding pending memorial services.

In my role as chairman during this transitional time, I have maintained frequent contact with the Council and the home office operation managers to ensure stability. Now, in accordance with our governing documents (Bylaw 9.5, Vacancies in Offices), the chairman of the Council of Elders becomes the acting president of the United Church of God, an International Association, until a new president is selected by the Council and assumes office.

I look forward to working with the Council of Elders in the presidential nomination process currently underway. As Council members, we appreciate your prayers for God's guidance for all in the weeks to come.

May the God of peace and comfort be with all of you at this time,

Robin Webber

Chairman, Council of Elders - United Church of God

 

 

 

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Comments

  • katbird_27
    I may have said hello to him once or twice, but it was one of his sermons that was instrumental in my decision to follow God and become baptized. I know his next thought will be something along the lines of Thank you god, I'm alive again!
  • ruthdelorme
    MR.MRS LUKER HAS TOUCH OUR LIVES WHEN THEY CAME TO TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO MEETING THEM WAS SUCH A BLESSING I THANK GOD I HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO MEET THEM, THEY HAVE REALLY MADE AN IMPACT ON MY LIFE. I WILL MISS HIM SO MUCH ESPECIALLY SEEING THIS VIDEO AND THE PICTURE OF US TOGETHER ON HIS VISIT TO TRINIDAD AS HE AND MRS. LUKER SAID TO ME I WILL NEVER FORGET YOU,THE SAME WAY I WILL NEVER FORGET THEM MAY GOD COMFORT YOU AND YOUR FAMILY IN THIS TIME I LOVE YOU MY DEAR SISTER LEEANN YOU ARE IN MY PRAYERS LOVE FROM MAURICIA MICKAIEL AND KESTER
  • David L. Nunn
    Mr. Luker radiated God's Holy Spirit and was a wonderful example to all. He will rest for now, but will arise to his inheritance at the end of the days. Dan. 12:13.
  • rnashall
    It's moments like this that make the knowledge of the fulfillment of the Passover so comforting. This season restores the hope and joy of the resurrection, because it is the beginning of the fulfillment of the promise. When we observe this most precious event I will be joyful that we have proof through the Passover that this is only the beginning. Jesus died and was resurrected to pave the way for us, therefore as stated by Paul " Death where is your sting?. Our savoir has risen and We too will be, because of this Passover lamb. It's only a moment in time that we live as we do now and thanks to this passover, eternal life in the kingdom of God will come very soon. May God give his healing spirit and peace to the Luker Family and to all those who have lost their dear loved ones. Thy Kingdom come!!!!
  • ALDO1950
    GIVE THEM ETERNAL REST, O LORD, AND MAY PERPETUAL LIGHT SHINE ON THEM FOR EVER AMEN.
  • FredB_AneitaS
    Mr. Luker was our first Pastor in Redlands UCGIA, in '95. We didn't get to see him very often, but appreciated a chance to get to know a wonderfully humble man that was dedicated to God. My heart hurts for LeeAnn. I know exactly how it feels to lose your beloved husband. My husband, a Deacon in Redlands UCGIA from the beginning of United, died Feb. 6th, 3 days after being critically injured in a horrible traffic accident. On a personal note to you, LeeAnn, you are in my prayers. Peace will eventually come for us with time. Our husbands will be waiting for us at the resurrection... Hugs to you from one who kind of knows.
  • Shiloh
    Mr. & Mrs. Luker are an example of what all believers should do and how they should live for Christ. I will never forget him and after 40 years plus of not having seen or spoken with either of them, they remain dear to my heart and still fill me with the love and warmth that fills them from the Spirit of God. What a treasure he has always been.
  • Marcus5221
    I have really only known (3) men as pastors well enough to comment on their core character. Dennis Luker being the first of those three. He came to the Garden Grove, CA congregation and breathed into it, with LeeAnn (his bride), a passion that is mentioned often in scripture as how all Christians should carry themselves. He and LeeAnn, truely LIVED their Christianity and it showed. He set example for us all and as a man exemplified what our Heavenly Father wants each of men to be; honorable, passionate, respectful and a witness to others! He will truely be missed by one and all; but NEVER FORGOTTEN!!
  • Lady_Saint
    I'm so sorry to hear of Mr. Luker's death and shocked that he died so soon! I wish I could've met him! We just lost my dear and only sister Maria 11 days ago to cancer, too. She was 55. It started in her uterus, then spread to her liver. Well, God decided to end her suffering by granting her a peaceful death. She and Mr. Luker are now awaiting the resurrection into God's awesome kingdom!
  • dust_i_am
    At a Feast site a few years ago, I had a short chat with Mr. Luker. He told me we all need God's grace. May those words live in all of us, and may God give comfort to his family.
  • stuart 46
    Dear All Mr Luker was a loving and caring minister of Gods church and did a fantastic job as president. He will be greatly missed here in the UK and the rest of world but he sleeps now until the kingdom when we will see him again. Our thoughts and prayers are with LeeAnn and the rest of the Luker family at this time and hope they are comforted by Gods love at this time. Until the kingdom rest in peace brother. Love Stuart, Lois and family Xxxx
  • Olumide Oyetoke
    I'm sad to hear this news. May God grant LeeAnn, the children and his entire family solace.
  • Peggy Mapula Tana
    I do not know Mr Dennis personally, but I thank God with His contribution on UCG, I understand more of God word since I subscribe with UCG. My God give the family every confort and support that they need.
  • Ward Shamblin
    I met Mr. Luker many times over the years. He always remembered me and my wife Carolyn. I lost my darling wife December 11, 2012. I thought that I was mostly over the crying but when I read about Mr. Luker's death, I wept again.I have prayed for the family and will continue to pray for them.It is a very difficult time for them and the family needs the encouragement. My prayers are with them.
  • RW
    Greetings. When I click on to the site today and saw the image of Mr. & Mrs. Luker, my reaction was similar when I came across the funeral of Ed Smith some time back on Youtube, "WHAT!" I never met Mr. Luker, but his and Mr. White's presentation on alcoholism helped me to understand the burden that one of my family members carries. I recall Mr. Luker's sermon back in Washington on the tragedy that struck LCG in Minnesota. When he preached his voice would become louder on certain words which emphasized, and kept one's attention. Even though the Scriptures make plain that death is not the end all, and this enemy of humanity will be eventually put away,it still is a saddened time.
  • Sheri Daniels
    Mr.& Mrs Luker were my Favorite Pastors, they never failed to Love and be Kind to me and my Family! They have been on my Heart for many Years! God has just Welcomed Home a Wonderful Man.May God wrap his ever Loving arms around his Family and Give them comfort!
  • Mark Lee
    The least pretentious minister I've meet in 43 years of COG always serving and always kind, what a example of humility and able to admit he was human.
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