Howard Immel Retiring This Weekend

Howard Immel, pastor at Carlton Grace Brethren Church in Garwin, Iowa, is concluding his ministry this Sunday, June 15. He and his wife June are retiring to Warsaw/Winona Lake, Indiana, area, anticipating some kind of active ministry through one of the area churches.

Howard has been in full-time pastoral work since 1973. His first pastorate was an Associate Pastor with Neil Beery (June's brother) at Carlsbad Union Church in Carlsbad, CA.

From there he entered Child Evangelism Fellowship Institute Training in Muskegon, MI, and then served (1975) as CEF Director of Greater Columbus, OH.

From 1977 until 1985 the Immels served with Grace Brethren International Missions in the Central African Republic.

Upon returning from Africa, Howard's pastorates have included (1990) to London GBC London, OH; (1994) to Singer Hill GBC, Johnstown, PA; (1998) to Lake Odessa GBC, MI; and (2005) to Carlton Brethren in Garwin, IA.

The Garwin church had a retirement celebration dinner last week.

Fellow pastor and close friend Gary Austin (Cedar Rapids, Iowa) says, "Howard will be baptizing three young people on his last Sunday. That's a great way to conclude one's ministry!"