MUSCATINE, Iowa — Several members of the Wesley United Methodist congregation and staff “roasted” their pastor of 12 years, Dr. Hal Green and his wife, Kathleen.

Green retired last Sunday.

 Dave Burdakin said that Green’s sermons “have more metaphors than a Jimmy Buffett song.”

Burdakin paraphrased some of Green’s advice, “When we’re gone, there will be tasty crumbs laying about for those to remember us by. Hal, you’ve left a lot more than tasty crumbs, and since you’ll be staying in Muscatine, rather than goodbye, we’ll say, ‘See you around.’”

Wesley music director  Ric Smith complimented the Greens on modeling a good relationship. The couple has been married for 41 years. Like in any relationship, Smith said there are conflicts within the congregation, but it is one that stays together and is “more diverse and healthier in its search for God.”

Dr. Bruce Ursin will replace Green. Ursin will come to Muscatine after serving the First United Methodist Church in Cedar Falls for 11 years.

In a service filled with laughter, sniffles and song, Green shared 12 years of memories.

Among the most vivid was a fire call at the church before his first worship service at Wesley. Green said he was unfamiliar with Wesley’s layout. He recalled asking, “God, are you saying there will be fireworks?” He also remembered a Sunday when he brought in Lady, his   German shepherd, for the children’s message. All was going well until the dog spotted Green’s daughter, Veronica, and went a little crazy.

One of the most touching moments was when the church surprised Green with visits from his three children and two grandchildren for his 10-year anniversary celebration with the church. Son Matthew, his wife, and two children were flown in from California and son Ted, an opera tenor from New York, and his wife were flown in from the East Coast. Ted surprised his dad by singing and granddaughter Sophie was poised and waiting for Green’s reaction during the children’s message.

Green reiterated his philosophy as a pastor on his last Sunday at Wesley:  “Love the people and preach the Gospel — in that order. If you love the people first, they are open to the Gospel.”

“I loved you as best I could,” he said. He added that it was a joy to see the congregation interact following services. “I pray and I believe that you’re a stronger church.”

Green says he’s hopeful that the church under Ursin’s leadership will continue working on Wesley’s mission statement: To continue to be a people growing together in Christ and reaching out in love. He prays that the congregation will continue to make discipleship, prayer, missions and reaching out to the church’s downtown neighbors a priority.

Kathleen has retired from the Muscatine Community School District. She served as principal at Jefferson Elementary.

The couple recently sold their business, Green’s Tea, but they chose to remain in Muscatine. Hal Green says they will travel to see their children and grandchildren, he’ll continue to write his weekly column “Greener Pastures” for the Muscatine Journal, and he’ll continue to find new ways to serve God.

He said he hopes to teach others the selfless focus on Christ through centering prayer. Green says that through centering prayer, worshipers can develop a “we relationship” with Christ.

“I have reached a point where the (magnetic) field never goes away,” said Green. “It may vary in intensity, but the whole point is that a union with Christ determines what you do and where you go.”