Celebrating the Life of the Reverend Russell Fuller

We mourn the loss of the Reverend Russell Fuller (95) who passed away at home in the early hours of January 15th after suffering a stroke twelve days earlier. Even as we mourn, we rejoice that he has settled into the eternal and everlasting arms of God.  

His memorial service will take place on February 29th, 2020 at 10:30am at First Baptist Church (517 E Washington St, Ann Arbor, MI 48104). All are invited to attend a luncheon following the service with the family at Journey of Faith (1900 Manchester, Ann Arbor, MI 48104).
 

A Long Life, Well-Lived 

From the Ann Arbor News Obituary: 

The Rev. Russell M. Fuller died at home in Ann Arbor on January 15, just in time to celebrate his 72nd anniversary with his beloved wife, Barbara Stauffer, whom he married on January 16, 1948.

He was born in Kansas City, MO, on Feb 23, 1924, to Frank H. and Katherine M. Fuller. Following service in the Navy, he received an A.B. from the University of Michigan and a graduate B.D. degree from the Disciples Divinity House of the University of Chicago.

He was ordained into the ministry of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in 1951, and served pastorates in both Chicago and Tucson. From 1955 until retirement in 1995, he was pastor of Memorial Christian Church (now Journey of Faith) of Ann Arbor, and was active in regional and national church work.

Read the rest of the obituary here.

Our Pastor

Rev. Fuller served this church as Pastor for 40 wonderful years and continued on as Pastor Emeritus for 25 more. And he was, first and foremost, our pastor-- visiting those who were sick, counseling people through rough moments, sitting with those who grieved. He continued this tender, attentive care long after his formal retirement, visiting with folks over tea after church and hosting a standing Friday morning breakfast gathering for 'the old timers' and anyone else who'd come along.

In addition to sharing God's love through this ministry of presence, Rev. Fuller's passion for justice was contagious. He and his wife Barbara did their best to imitate Jesus in creating peace on earth and the congregation could not help but follow suit. Rev. Fuller continued to bring these concerns to the attention of the congregation up through till the end. 

Rev. Fuller brought many other gifts to us and our memories of him are abundant. Read on for an opportunity to share you memory of Rev. Fuller. 
 

Help Us Remember 

Do you have a story or a photograph of Rev. Fuller that you'd like to share with others? We will gather at Journey of Faith on Friday, February 28th, the day before the memorial, from 5-7pm to share these memories of Rev. Fuller as pastor of Memorial Christian Church and to prepare for luncheon the following day. All are welcome to attend this gathering. 

Additionally, we need help preparing the luncheon. If you'd like to help, contact Sharon Ongaro 734-994-4686. (Rumor has it, Rev. Fuller loved cookies.) 
 

A Memory from Rev. Fuller 

Written by Russ Fuller for our 125th Anniversary as a church: 

During my years as pastor at Hill and Tappan, I was in the church building more than any other person. It was an old building, requiring frequent bits of attention. The budget did not look favorably on calling repair services unless absolutely necessary. We had some skilled volunteers, but they were not available on a 24/7 basis. As a result I came to know the building well and was often involved in minor maintenance work. 

One Sunday I had reached the middle of my sermon, when a deacon frantically came forward to tell me, "The boiler room is flooding and no one knows what to do. You had better come NOW." 

No pastor likes to be interrupted in the middle of the service, but this seemed a true emergency. I asked organist Iris to fill in, perhaps with a hymn, excused myself, and departed for the basement. 

As it happened I did know which valve to close. Several inches of water on the floor would do no damage, though it would take hours with only a small drain to drain it out. I returned to the sanctuary. Likely some there would have preferred that I forget the sermon and just move to the Hymn of Commitment. But this preacher had marked his place and this plumber finished the sermon. ~~Russ Fuller 

"I have loved you with an everlasting love. I have drawn you with unfailing kindness.” — Jeremiah 31:3