Mourning the Death of Cally Rogers-Witte, former Global Ministries Co-Executive

May the Lord give strength to his people! May the Lord bless his people with peace! Psalm 29:11

We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Rev. Cally-Rogers Witte. We extend condolences to Frank, Mary Ann, and Beth, to the rest of her family and to all who knew her as friend. We hold you in prayers and love, praying God’s peace, comfort, and presence with you as you celebrate the joy and gift of Cally’s life and mourn the loss of her life.  

Cally is well known in the United Church of Christ, this church that she chose to call home and where she chose to live out her call to ministry. Her light and legacy continue in this moment. Her service across the settings of the UCC has made a difference among us. Hers was ministry of pastoral presence that spanned her journey with us as a pastor, Conference Minister, and elected officer of the church.

She extended herself among us as friend, mentor, and leader, greeting the world with a smile that showed her welcoming spirit and warm hospitality. She served the church well, and even in her years of retirement continued to be connected with and to be interested and concerned for the partners and ministries of Wider Church Ministries and Global Ministries. In her term as Executive Minister for Wider Church Ministries and Co-Executive for Global Ministries, (2007-2011), she greatly impacted Global Ministries’ relationships with the 290 partner churches around the world. Our United Church of Christ and Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) partners join us in grieving Cally’s passing.

Cally will be missed! The world has lost a great light. And yet, her memory of having been among us inspires and comforts.

God of Peace, we pray for those who have loved and known the presence of Cally. Holy God, in this moment of grief and sorrow, we remember the many gifts that Cally gave to us. We ask your peace and comfort for her family and friends during this time of transition. Amen.

Rev. Dr. Karen Georgia A. Thompson
Associate General Minister, Wider Church Ministries
Co-Executive, Global Ministries

Rev. Dr. Julia Brown Karimu
President, Division of Overseas Ministries
Co-Executive, Global Ministries

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to The Rev. Ann Calvin Rogers-Witte Memorial Fund at any of the following three organizations: St. Mark’s Episcopal Church in Cocoa, Florida (mailed to the church at 4 Church Street, Cocoa, FL 32922); UCC Wider Church Ministries, or the Timothy Syndrome Alliance (TSA).

 

Links

Obituary for Cally Rogers-Witte
Remembering Cally’s life and ministry (UCC article)
UCC officers: We celebrate Cally Rogers-Witte (UCC article)