When Dick and Doree announced that they were moving to Oregon in 1991, it was a sad day for First Friends Church of Whittier. They’d been in that church for 40 years, since the year they were married. Both of them had served in so many leadership and service roles that one friend remarked, “It would be quicker to list the things they haven’t done than to list all the things that they have done in our church.”

At the time of their move, Doree was clerk (the Quaker word for chair) of the Ministry and Counsel (Quaker term for Elders). This was one of the top leadership roles in the church. So it was natural for them to ask her to preach before she left.

Doree was 60 years old at the time of this sermon. The photo at the top of this page was taken at a farewell party given by friends.

Her sermon is titled “What I Know About God.” It can be heard by clicking on the “play” button to the left. It lasts only 17 minutes, but her words convey the deep convictions of her heart. I believe that these convictions were largely responsible for making her the Mom and Nana that we all loved – so they’re worth listening to!