In early 2025, I (Pastor Karen) invited Don Vick to consider preaching one sermon in our upcoming sermon series on the Gospel of Luke. As I extended the invitation to tackle a fairly difficult topic, I encouraged him with these words, “you are the best person in our congregation to speak to these things, because of your wisdom and kindness.” Don made it clear to me that he was unsure if he would be able to do this, a task that he considered beyond the scope of his gifts and graces. (I had no doubt at all that he would do a stellar job in handling God’s word and delivering it with great love and care to our congregation!) He considered my invitation for several months and said a reluctant “yes … as long as you coach me.” We began meeting every other week to discuss ideas and hold difficult questions in the light of God’s love and truth. Don sent me his first draft in early August, and I gave him copious feedback along with a few suggestions of what to enhance and what to omit. Don worked hard on this, his first sermon, after completing a Bible college degree half a century earlier. It is, as I expected, full of wisdom and grace. Just five days after he sent me his final draft, he was admitted to hospital (on his birthday), passing away peacefully just nine days later, into his eternal home with God, free from earthly suffering and pain. I thank God for Don’s “yes” in crafting this sermon and his lifelong “yes” to Jesus his Lord and Savior!
Don Vick was a faithful member of Liberty Vineyard Church right from our very first Sunday! He prepared his very first sermon, sadly passing away before he was able to deliver it. Per his deathbed request, Pastor Karen recorded it, to be played on the day he had been scheduled to preach it. We thank God for Don’s life and legacy – all glory to God!