We found out some extremely sad news this morning when we were informed that our Senior Pastor, Raegan May, took his life last evening and the young age of 41.
Raegan was a wonderful speaker and delivered many very powerful and insightful sermons. On numerous occasions I sat listening and reflecting that Raegan spoke like he was going through all of the same hardships we all experience, that he was on the same hard journey of life. I always respected that sharing of the small insight into his personal struggles but never imagined that they weighed so heavily on him, as he seemed to have his path figured out. As everyone in the congregation and neighborhood, we wish we had known more of his suffering so that we could have assisted him, as he has so many of us.
As a friend and neighbor Raegan was helpful and caring. visiting us in the hospital numerous times to offer prayers and counseling. His inspiration to friends and new Christians just beginning their journey was awe-inspiring. Raegan will be remembered for the incredible and positive impact he had on so many lives.
Our most recent personal experience with Raegan was on Tuesday evening when he and Pastor Greg Arthur baptized Maisie during our Evolution service. Raegan was sick that night but made a special trip over to bless the water for which Maisie would be baptized with and congratulate us before getting home to rest.
We are all stunned and shocked! We’ve been at Church, helping get the word out to others in our congregation and community while we try to understand this tragedy. As we work through the grief and sadness, trying to understand, we all keep his wife Lee, their three young daughters and our Church staff close to our hearts. We offer up our prayers and hope you will too.
For more information about Christ Methodist Church, or to hear some of Raegan’s recent sermons, please see our church website .
For more information about depression please check out this site .
For more information about understanding and coping with suicide you might want to check out this site and/or this book .
If you are reading this and thinking about suicide, please click here now .
Peace of Christ,
Brian
UPDATE: Our church has put the homily from Raegan’s service of thanksgiving up on the church website. Click here to listen . Bill Gatis’ homily was a wonderful tribute to Raegan and his life.