Chaplain's Page
Terry Duckworth is the Chaplain for the Riceville Volunteer Fire Department. His primary responsibility is to BE THERE for our Firefighters, support personnel, and their families. He is there to provide guidance and counseling. 
Terry Duckworth responds to calls for support for any family members involved in an accident/fire who would need council. He is an ordained minister since 1995 and has been a Firefighter since 2003. He serves at the majority of the Fire department functions and many in the community also. His service extends beyond these walls, being a Community Chaplain. This means, as an evangelist, anyone who does not have a minister or church family may call upon Terry Duckworth and he will respond to whatever their need may be. If you would like more information or would like to contact him, call the Riceville Volunteer Fire Department at 298-2456 or email padreduck@aol.com. When I am called to duty, God,
Whenever flames may rage;
Give me strength to save some life,
Whatever be its age.
Help me embrace a little child
Before it is too late
Or save an older person
From the horror of that fate.
Enable me to be alert
And hear the weakest shout,
And quickly and efficiently
To put the fire out.
I want to fill my calling
And to give the best in me
To guard my every neighbor
And protect his property.
And if, according to my fate,
I am to lose my life,
Please bless with your protecting
My children and my wife.
- Author Unknown
Newsletter from Pastor Terry Duckworth
"Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good." (Romans 12:21)
In the beginning God created all things...and it was good. As God surveyed creation, God was pleased. The new world was pristine and perfect. Humanity was flawless. Peace abounded. Everything was "just right." Then it happened...
Sin. The perfect will of the Father was transgressed and humanity fell. The foul stench of sin filled the nostrils of God, and it was "not good." Perfection ruined. Humanity fell into chaos as it looked desperately for the love that once so freely surrounded them.
God wept...
"What's wrong Father?", asked one of the little angels.
"My children. They have turned their backs on me. I love them so much..."
"What are you going to do Father?"
"Don't worry little one, I have a plan."
"What is it? Please tell me."
"In time little one..in time."
War. Hatred. Prejudice. Disease. Jealousy. Murder. Adultery. Unforgivness. New Gods. Relationships broken. Humanity looking for love in all the wrong places. Pure Chaos. Time passes slowly...
God smiled...
"Now. Now is the time."
"Time for what Father?"
"Time to put my plan into action. Everything is just right..."
"Can I help?"
"Patience little one, patience."
A virgin chosen. Joseph understands. A census taken. A long journey ended. No room in the inn. A cattle stall. A feeding box. New birth. New beginnings. A star shines brightly.
"Now? Now Father?"
"Yes, little one, now."
"That night, some shepherds were in the fields nearby watching their sheep. An angel of the Lord stood before them. The glory of the Lord was shining around them, and suddenly they became very frightened. The angel said to them, "Don't be afraid, because I am bringing you some good news. It will be a joy to all the people. Today your Savior was born in David's town. He is Christ, the Lord. This is how you will know him: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a feeding box." Then a very large group of angels from heaven joined the first angel. All the angels were praising God, saying: "Give glory to God in heaven, and on earth let there be peace to the people who please God." (Luke 2:8-14)
"Now do you understand little one?"
"I'm not sure Father."
"From this day forward my children will have a choice, but there is still much to do. Jesus will have many things he has to endure...even death on a cross. I love my children so much that I have sent the most precious thing in my life to save them."
"But why Father?"
"You see little one, it is the only way. My son, my precious son, Jesus..."
God wept...
"What's wrong Father?"
"My son, my precious son..."
Time passes. A wooden cross. A windswept hill. Mockery. Hatred. Spikes. Blood. Wind. Rain. Darkness.
"Daddy, all that you have asked me to do is finished. I'm coming home..."
God smiled.
"Father, now I think I understand. It's all because you love your children..."
"That's right little one, that's right...now it's up to them..."
"Welcome home my Son..welcome home..."
