‘Is your faith alive?’ First Church of God in Freeport gets a new pastor

Jane Lethlean
·2 min read
The Rev. Darryl Simmons delivers a sermon on "Is Your Faith Alive?" on Sunday, May 1, 2022, at First Church of God in Freeport.
The Rev. Darryl Simmons delivers a sermon on "Is Your Faith Alive?" on Sunday, May 1, 2022, at First Church of God in Freeport.

FREEPORT — “Is your faith alive?” was the message to parishioners Sunday, May 1, at First Church of God in Freeport, as Pastor Darryl Simmons ministered to the congregation.

The message garnered a response of “Amen” from those who were touched by Simmons' powerful words.

Simmons is the new pastor of the church that is rich in history. He is the first permanent pastor to serve the church in two years.

“Coming to First Church of God in April became an opportunity to serve,” Simmons said. “It is an honor to serve the community of God. I have aligned my life with ministry to serve others. I plan to hold more outreach in the summer for kids, helping them get back to school.”

Simmons comes to Freeport from Sun Prairie, Wis. where he lives with his wife Dondieneita, and sons Darrius and Dyshaunn. For now, Simmons is commuting from Wisconsin until future plans are made.

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Like many churches, the pandemic hit the First Church of God hard. The church found itself without a pastor in October 2020. In March of that year, the church held online services with assistance from Rev. Earl Davidson and Simmons. Simmons answered the call to help deliver the weekly sermons to make sure parishioners like Rev. Eula Guess could have a sense of normalcy.

Guess has been a member of the First Church of God for more than 50 years. She said having Simmons be part of her weekly return to in-person worship helps her practice her faith.

“I love my God. I love my church, and to have Pastor Simmons minister to me speaks to my heart, my faith, and my sense of community through my church,” Guess said.

Spreading the word of God is central to Simmons' faith, he said, receiving the call to ministry after college. He's served at various churches over the years, his last in Wisconsin. He retired from Faith Church of God in 2014.

Pat Norman is a member of the First Church of God and is happy to finally have a permanent pastor. She welcomes the return of in-person of fellowship, adding that Simmons presence helps facilitate the the re-gathering of the congregation.

“I am thankful Pastor Simmons answered our call, and he brings such leadership to our church,” Norman said. “To have a man of God stand before us is a good feeling.”

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The Rev. Darryl Simmons, left, anoints Eula Guess during church service on Sunday, May 1, 2022, at First Church of God in Freeport.
The Rev. Darryl Simmons, left, anoints Eula Guess during church service on Sunday, May 1, 2022, at First Church of God in Freeport.

Norman said there are plans for an installation service at a later date.

First Church of God is located at 484 S. Ottawa Ave. in Freeport. Sunday School is held at 10 a.m. before worship service at 11 a.m. on Sundays.

Jane Lethlean is a freelance correspondent.

This article originally appeared on Journal Standard: Freeport's First Church of God names new permanent pastor.