Hoosers Say Goodbye to Dallas 
After Ten Years

July 12, 2001

Don and Elsie Hooser said "Adios!" to a heartened Sabbath day crowd at the Dallas South Hall in DeSoto Texas on July 7th. It was time to say goodbye to our Pastor and wife as they move on to their new assignments in Austin/Coleman. He will also continue to pastor the Waco Texas church.  To finish up a decade of service (six years as our United Church of God pastor), Mr. Hooser reminisced about his and Elsie’s experiences in Dallas.  Since graduation from Ambassador College, Don and his wife have served God’s church for 35 years in Ohio, Nebraska, Oklahoma and Texas.  Our minister left us with words of encouragement during his last sermon here.  He asked us to carry forward as the South and North congregations combine into one Dallas Church under Mr. Doug Horchak.  The main points were to keep our eyes on the goal, don't neglect the spiritual, love everybody with agape love, know when to compromise and when to take a stand, remember to serve not just receive, live your life so you won’t have regret, and endure to the end.

After the sermon, surprise gifts were brought in and the Hoosers were presented a Dallas South family photo album, and an album of memories of a decade of service. Elsie was given a pearl necklace, bracelet and earring set, and Don was presented a digital camera.  John Lusk, elder in the area, said that we would all know when Don figured out how to operate it when digital images begin showing up on the Austin UCG website! 

After the presentations, the Dallas South church toasted the Hoosers with a reception in our hall. Scintillating conversation, fine settings, delicious food, and a beautiful cake under the direction of Gay Oren all in their honor. The blessing over the last five years of our own leased hall afforded us the pleasure of staying late. With so much to remember, the Hoosers didn’t get away until after midnight! 

Don and Elsie Hooser have served faithfully during tumultuous times in Dallas South. A hall with bullet holes found in the door. One hall blown away by a tornado (but all our church equipment miraculously spared).  A churchquake striking, but thanks to God’s mercy rebuilding again with His help. Mr. Lusk said in the sermonette of the Hoosers, "When you go through these things with your pastor, it has a cementing effect. It binds you together one to another. It is something we will share with this family for all of our lives." The Dallas South congregation bids Don and Elsie Godspeed.