By RHEA-FRANCES TETLEY
Staff Writer
The retirement celebration for Pastor Mike Whisner after 25 years of leading the Twin Peaks Community Church was a pure outpouring of love and respect from the more than 200 friends, family and neighbors who attended.
Held in the Whittier Room at Thousand Pines Conference Center in Crestline, Whisner’s parishioners and family and even long-time friends from his days at seminary school came to honor his life as an inspirational man who led by example and lived his life for others. He greeted each person as they entered and, after the event, said goodbye to them, too. It was a very friendly afternoon filled with much happiness and joy, not sorrow, as he isn’t completely leaving the church. He is retiring as the senior lead pastor and stepping back for others to lead.
Whisner has been known by many names over the years he has lived here. He is “Mr. Twister,” the ballon-making man who has delighted many children and adults over the years by making balloon hats for them at restaurants and events. His church flock knows him as Pastor Mike, a good shepherd and church leader. He’s known as Pastor Whisner to others in the mountain communities as he represents his church at Easter sunrise services, at church and Bible schools and other events around town. And, finally, as Michael to Rachel, his wife of 46 years, as Dad to his 12 children and as Grandpa to his numerous grandchildren.
The celebration was festive with balloon hats created by Pastor Mike’s own children for all who wanted one. The afternoon luncheon included a delicious deli sandwich, fruit and cookies. He was presented with a very large multi-layered red and white cake by the church deacons after the luncheon was served.
One of Pastor Mike’s big community successes was the annual Strawberry Festival he started in Twin Peaks, held each summer. He invited the entire community to join in the family-friendly event which included cake walks, a petting zoo, horseback rides and many carnival games, balloon hats and music. The strawberry shortcake desserts they served were legendary and huge. The theme was inspired by the historic name for the area, “Strawberry Flats,” said Whisner. He’s helped the community in numerous ways including making the church’s parking lot available for the year-round Thursday farmers markets.
The celebration is available on the church’s YouTube channel. The comment from those in attendance was “Thank you, Pastor Mike, for spending 25 years in faithful service to our mountains. You made such a positive difference in our community that we will remember you always.”
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