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Westminster - Pastor Kerry A. Twing, 55 of 7 Bean Porridge Hill Rd., Westminster, founder and Pastor of the Higher Ground Ministries in Gardner, died peacefully Tuesday, April 13, 2009 at Heywood Hospital in Gardner after being stricken ill at home.

Pastor Kerry was bron in Gardner on March 29, 1954 and moved with his family to California when he was in 7th grade. He graduated from Righetti High School in Orcutt, California in 1972 and quickly returned home to his native Massachusetts.

He graduated from Faith Alive School of Ministry in Millbury and was officially ordained a Pastor in 1985. His journey in faith began over 25 years ago, and in 1984, Higher Ground Ministries was formed, beginning from the ground roots level in his home.

Pastor Kerry will be remembered as having a true servant heart. He has been solidly committed to the call and his life reflected leadership in everything he did. Pastor Kerry oversaw many churches that have branched out from Higher Ground Ministries. Several pastors have submitted their churches under the umbrella of wisdom and protection that Pastor Kerry brought. He has truly been a pastor to pastors. More importantly, his outreach to our community was steadfast. His devotion to the youth of our community was strong, devoting three entire floors of the Higher Ground Ministries to children and youth.

To his family, Pastor Kerry will be remembered as the ultimate family man. He was an avid hunter and enjoyed camping trips with his family and vacations on Martha's Vineyard Island. To his beloved grandchildren, he will be forever remembered as "Pops" or "Papa." He loved them dearly and his loss will be immeasurable.

He will be sadly missed by his beloved wife, Virginia "Ginny" C. (Pisaruk) Twing with whom he celebrated nearly 31 wonderful years of marriage; his parents, Donald A. and Dorothy (Hancock) Twing of Westminster: two daughters Katie Kamenski and her husband Jon of Westminster and Sarah E. Hessel and her husband Dave of Westminster; three sisters, Kathy A. Fredericks and her husband Steven of Plymouth, Janie D. Higgs and her husband John of Littleton, Colorado and Jackie Trainque and her husband Paul of Westminster; four grandchildren, James Twing, Jake Hessel, Jessica Kamenski and Levi Hessel and several nephews and nieces.

Pastor Kerry was very excited about the birth of his newest granddaughter, Carly Kamenski, who will be born in nearly five weeks.

Pastor Kerry will lie in state at the Higher Ground Ministries, 186 Central St. Gardner from 4 - 8 p.m. on Saturday, April 18, 2009. His life will be celebrated with a church service on Sunday, April 19, 2009 at 10 a.m. at the Higher Ground Ministries. RElatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend. Burial in Woodside Cementery, Contributions in his memory may be made to H.G.M., P.O. Box 1007, Gardner, Mass. 01440

For direction or to sign the guest book for the Twing family, please visit our web site at www.fletcherfuneral.com

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Lamoureaux Fletcher Community Funeral Home, 105 Central St., Gardner.

A Tribute to the Life and Legacy of Pastor Kerry Twing Back to Memory Book Local News Comments
	PASTOR KERRY A. TWING The Gardner News Westminster - Pastor Kerry A. Twing, 55 of 7 Bean Porridge Hill Rd., Westminster, founder and Pastor of the Higher Ground Ministries in Gardner, died peacefully Tuesday, April 13, 2009 at Heywood Hospital in Gardner after being stricken ill at home. Pastor Kerry was bron in Gardner on March 29, 1954 and moved with his family to California when he was in 7th grade. He graduated from Righetti High School in Orcutt, California in 1972 and quickly returned home to his native Massachusetts. He graduated from Faith Alive School of Ministry in Millbury and was officially ordained a Pastor in 1985. His journey in faith began over 25 years ago, and in 1984, Higher Ground Ministries was formed, beginning from the ground roots level in his home. Pastor Kerry will be remembered as having a true servant heart. He has been solidly committed to the call and his life reflected leadership in everything he did. Pastor Kerry oversaw many churches that have branched out from Higher Ground Ministries. Several pastors have submitted their churches under the umbrella of wisdom and protection that Pastor Kerry brought. He has truly been a pastor to pastors. More importantly, his outreach to our community was steadfast. His devotion to the youth of our community was strong, devoting three entire floors of the Higher Ground Ministries to children and youth. To his family, Pastor Kerry will be remembered as the ultimate family man. He was an avid hunter and enjoyed camping trips with his family and vacations on Martha's Vineyard Island. To his beloved grandchildren, he will be forever remembered as "Pops" or "Papa." He loved them dearly and his loss will be immeasurable. He will be sadly missed by his beloved wife, Virginia "Ginny" C. (Pisaruk) Twing with whom he celebrated nearly 31 wonderful years of marriage; his parents, Donald A. and Dorothy (Hancock) Twing of Westminster: two daughters Katie Kamenski and her husband Jon of Westminster and Sarah E. Hessel and her husband Dave of Westminster; three sisters, Kathy A. Fredericks and her husband Steven of Plymouth, Janie D. Higgs and her husband John of Littleton, Colorado and Jackie Trainque and her husband Paul of Westminster; four grandchildren, James Twing, Jake Hessel, Jessica Kamenski and Levi Hessel and several nephews and nieces. Pastor Kerry was very excited about the birth of his newest granddaughter, Carly Kamenski, who will be born in nearly five weeks. Pastor Kerry will lie in state at the Higher Ground Ministries, 186 Central St. Gardner from 4 - 8 p.m. on Saturday, April 18, 2009. His life will be celebrated with a church service on Sunday, April 19, 2009 at 10 a.m. at the Higher Ground Ministries. RElatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend. Burial in Woodside Cementery, Contributions in his memory may be made to H.G.M., P.O. Box 1007, Gardner, Mass. 01440 For direction or to sign the guest book for the Twing family, please visit our web site at www.fletcherfuneral.com Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Lamoureaux Fletcher Community Funeral Home, 105 Central St., Gardner. __________________________________________________ THE WORCESTER TELEGRAM & GAZETTE April 18, 2009 Death of pastor stuns flock Rev. Kerry Twing founded Higher Ground Ministries By Gail Stanton CORRESPONDENT Gardner - The congregation at Higher Ground Ministries suffered a monumental loss this week when their senior pastor, 55 year -old Rev. Kerry A. Twing, died. "He hadn't been ill, there was no warning," said the Rev. Brian R. Richard, Associate Pastor of the church, on the death of Rev. Twing who succumbed to a heart attack Monday. Rev. Twing and his wife, Virginia, established the church in 1984, holding services with only a handful of people in their home. Within a year, the group moved twice, first to rented space at Westminster Town Hall, then to the present site at 186 Central St. Eventually, the congregation took over areas in the 30,000 square foot building there as other tenants moved out. "We 'd literally be going behind them with brooms as they moved out, that's how fast we would move into the next space," Rev. Richard said. Twenty-five years after God called him to the ministry, Rev. Twing has left behind a church of more than 1,000 members who can hardly believe he is gone. "I keep expecting to hear his cowboy boots going across the floor, "Rev. Richard said. Those who knew Rev. Twing say the pastor will be remembered most for his heart for relationships. "He was so good to us, to our whole family," recalled REv. Beverly A. Long, a family friend. "He was known as a pastor to pastors." Those on the staff at Higher Ground said family - his own and the church family - was a huge part of his life. "He was a father figure, a safety net for everyone here," Rev. Richard said. Rev. Thomas J. Morin, senior pastor at Redemption Rock Church in Westminster, has fond memories of Rev. Twing, from when they both worked for Digital Equipment Corp. in the late 1970s and early 80s. Both men started churches in their homes within months of each other, eventually expanding their congregations and moving into buildings of their own. "Pastor Kerry always loved life; he did it by the way he rode his motorcycle to the way he preached the Gospel. To this day, 23 years later, his sermon on "Then What?" still sticks with me, "Rev. Morin said. "Once you get married and have kids, then what? Once you won a house, then what? Always achieving and never satisfied until Jesus. Once you meet Jesus, Pastor Kerry would say, then the search for meaning in life is over." Those who knew him best said Rev. Twing's faith in the power of Jesus to save and to transform lives is his greatest legacy. Higher Ground Ministries will continue to carry on Rev. Twing's vision for the church. "This place will definitely go on; it would be an insult to him if it didn't, "Rev. Brian Richard said. _____________________________________________________________ City loses 'spiritual leader' with the passing of Rev. Twing By Steve Marcotte News Staff Writer Gardner - Remembered for founding the Higher Ground Ministries, taking part in many outreach projects over the years and devoting his time to family, the Rev. Kerry A. Twing, 55, gave much of himself to others. The senior pastor, who started the church with his wife, Virginia "Ginny" Twing, from their Westminster home in 1984, passed away at Heywood Hospital Tuesday after an illness. Daughter Katie Kamenski said her father "had a heart" for everyone. She remembered him giving away gifts to children on Christmas, Halloween and other holidays. "He was a Dad to everybody, "Mrs. Kamenski said. "It didn't matter what age you were." Over the years, the Rev. Twing was a highly regarded, "important spiritual leader" in Gardner, according to the Rev. Dr. Russell Gary Heikkila. "He brought comfort to the thousand who heard his message of hope and compassion and love," the Rev. Heikkila said, "He certainly will be greatly missed in this city." Born in Gardner, the Rev. Twing moved to California in the seventh grade and graduated from Righetti High School in Orcutt, California in 1972 before returning to Massachusetts. He graduated from Faith Alive School of Ministry in Milbury and was ordained as a pastor in 1985. Mrs. Kamenski said her father opened the church from his Westminster home with four people after hearing a "Call of God." "From there, we moved to the Westminster Town Hall, and we outgrew that,"she said. "Then we moved to the building that we have now on Central Street (in Gardner). Three of the four floors in our church are dedicated to kids." Higher Ground M inistries Associate Pastor Curt Phelps, a friend of the Rev. Twing for more than 20 years, said he will always remember his "giving heart". "He was such a giver, "Pastor Phelps said. "He loved people." Asociate Pastor Phelps said. ______________________________________________________________ Kerry Twing's Obituary Our beloved pastor, Kerry Twing, at the age of 55 went home to glory on Monday April 13th, 2009. Born on March 29th, 1954 he lived in Westminster MA to California where he graduated from Righetti High School in 1972. He returned to Massachusetts, because New England was in his blood. He loved the landscape, the trees and the change of seasons, but most of all he loved the people. It was here that he met Ginny "Pisaruk" and made her his bride, living happily married for almost 31 years. Pastor whole heartily gave himself to Jesus his first love, in 1976. He heard God calling him to be a type of "Moses". The words; Go and set My people free" burned in his heart. He took "The Call" seriously and wasted no time moving forward, starting a church from the ground level in his home in 1984. He graduated from Faith Alive School of Ministry in 1985, then became the founder and Senior Pastor of Higher Ground Ministries. He was later ordained by his "Spiritual FAther" Pastor Sam Smith of Faith Christian CEnter, in Seekonk, MA. Pastor Kerry will be remembered as having a true "Servants Heart". He was an awesome Shepherd. His commitment to "The Call" has always been rock solid. His life reflected leadership in everything he did. He oversaw many churches and Ministries that branched out from Higher Ground Ministries. Several pastors came to him, submitting their churches under the umbrella of wisdom and protection he brought. He has not only been a "Pastor" to his sheep he has been a pastor to pastors, encouraging all, every step of the way. Pastor Kerry's outreach to the community has been steadfast, above and beyond the call. His devotion to the youth and children was intense. So intense, he devoted three entire floors of Higher Ground Ministries just for them. Sending vans to bring in the lost, known as a father to the fatherless. Higher Ground Ministries, from the staff to the congregation, will never forget the rich food we were fed. He taught us well, he gave his best. He poured out his heart and his life for us. To his family, Pastor Kerry will be remembered as the ultimate family man. He loved camping with them in Stowe VT, vacations at Cap[e Cod and Martha's Vineyard. Ginny was the love of his life. Her loss will be the greatest. We know they will miss him tremendously. As will his parents Don and Dottie Twing; his two daughters Katie Kamenski and Sarah Hessel along with their husbands Jon Kamenski and Dave Hesel. His three sisters Kathy Fredericks, Janie Higgs, and Jackie Trainque. Last but certainly not least, his beloved grandchildren, James Twing, Jake Hessel, Levi Hessel and Jessica Kamenski; will forever remember there "Pops" or "Papa"; keeping his memory alive for Carly Kamenski, his soon to be born grand-daughter; and to all his nephews and nieces. He loved you all, and we know your loss will be immeasurable.

__________________________________________________
THE WORCESTER TELEGRAM & GAZETTE
April 18, 2009

Death of pastor stuns flock
Rev. Kerry Twing founded Higher Ground Ministries
By Gail Stanton CORRESPONDENT

Gardner - The congregation at Higher Ground Ministries suffered a monumental loss this week when their senior pastor, 55 year -old Rev. Kerry A. Twing, died.

"He hadn't been ill, there was no warning," said the Rev. Brian R. Richard, Associate Pastor of the church, on the death of Rev. Twing who succumbed to a heart attack Monday.

Rev. Twing and his wife, Virginia, established the church in 1984, holding services with only a handful of people in their home. Within a year, the group moved twice, first to rented space at Westminster Town Hall, then to the present site at 186 Central St. Eventually, the congregation took over areas in the 30,000 square foot building there as other tenants moved out.

"We 'd literally be going behind them with brooms as they moved out, that's how fast we would move into the next space," Rev. Richard said.

Twenty-five years after God called him to the ministry, Rev. Twing has left behind a church of more than 1,000 members who can hardly believe he is gone.

"I keep expecting to hear his cowboy boots going across the floor, "Rev. Richard said.

Those who knew Rev. Twing say the pastor will be remembered most for his heart for relationships.

"He was so good to us, to our whole family," recalled REv. Beverly A. Long, a family friend. "He was known as a pastor to pastors."

Those on the staff at Higher Ground said family - his own and the church family - was a huge part of his life. "He was a father figure, a safety net for everyone here," Rev. Richard said.

Rev. Thomas J. Morin, senior pastor at Redemption Rock Church in Westminster, has fond memories of Rev. Twing, from when they both worked for Digital Equipment Corp. in the late 1970s and early 80s. Both men started churches in their homes within months of each other, eventually expanding their congregations and moving into buildings of their own.

"Pastor Kerry always loved life; he did it by the way he rode his motorcycle to the way he preached the Gospel. To this day, 23 years later, his sermon on "Then What?" still sticks with me, "Rev. Morin said. "Once you get married and have kids, then what? Once you won a house, then what? Always achieving and never satisfied until Jesus. Once you meet Jesus, Pastor Kerry would say, then the search for meaning in life is over."

Those who knew him best said Rev. Twing's faith in the power of Jesus to save and to transform lives is his greatest legacy. Higher Ground Ministries will continue to carry on Rev. Twing's vision for the church. "This place will definitely go on; it would be an insult to him if it didn't, "Rev. Brian Richard said.

_____________________________________________________________
City loses 'spiritual leader' with the passing of Rev. Twing
By Steve Marcotte
News Staff Writer

Gardner - Remembered for founding the Higher Ground Ministries, taking part in many outreach projects over the years and devoting his time to family, the Rev. Kerry A. Twing, 55, gave much of himself to others.

The senior pastor, who started the church with his wife, Virginia "Ginny" Twing, from their Westminster home in 1984, passed away at Heywood Hospital Tuesday after an illness.

Daughter Katie Kamenski said her father "had a heart" for everyone. She remembered him giving away gifts to children on Christmas, Halloween and other holidays.

"He was a Dad to everybody, "Mrs. Kamenski said. "It didn't matter what age you were."

Over the years, the Rev. Twing was a highly regarded, "important spiritual leader" in Gardner, according to the Rev. Dr. Russell Gary Heikkila.

"He brought comfort to the thousand who heard his message of hope and compassion and love," the Rev. Heikkila said, "He certainly will be greatly missed in this city."

Born in Gardner, the Rev. Twing moved to California in the seventh grade and graduated from Righetti High School in Orcutt, California in 1972 before returning to Massachusetts. He graduated from Faith Alive School of Ministry in Milbury and was ordained as a pastor in 1985.

Mrs. Kamenski said her father opened the church from his Westminster home with four people after hearing a "Call of God."

"From there, we moved to the Westminster Town Hall, and we outgrew that,"she said. "Then we moved to the building that we have now on Central Street (in Gardner). Three of the four floors in our church are dedicated to kids."

Higher Ground M inistries Associate Pastor Curt Phelps, a friend of the Rev. Twing for more than 20 years, said he will always remember his "giving heart".

"He was such a giver, "Pastor Phelps said. "He loved people." Asociate Pastor Phelps said.

______________________________________________________________
Kerry Twing's Obituary

Our beloved pastor, Kerry Twing, at the age of 55 went home to glory on Monday April 13th, 2009.

Born on March 29th, 1954 he lived in Westminster MA to California where he graduated from Righetti High School in 1972. He returned to Massachusetts, because New England was in his blood. He loved the landscape, the trees and the change of seasons, but most of all he loved the people. It was here that he met Ginny "Pisaruk" and made her his bride, living happily married for almost 31 years.

Pastor whole heartily gave himself to Jesus his first love, in 1976. He heard God calling him to be a type of "Moses". The words; Go and set My people free" burned in his heart. He took "The Call" seriously and wasted no time moving forward, starting a church from the ground level in his home in 1984.

He graduated from Faith Alive School of Ministry in 1985, then became the founder and Senior Pastor of Higher Ground Ministries. He was later ordained by his "Spiritual FAther" Pastor Sam Smith of Faith Christian CEnter, in Seekonk, MA.

Pastor Kerry will be remembered as having a true "Servants Heart". He was an awesome Shepherd. His commitment to "The Call" has always been rock solid. His life reflected leadership in everything he did. He oversaw many churches and Ministries that branched out from Higher Ground Ministries. Several pastors came to him, submitting their churches under the umbrella of wisdom and protection he brought. He has not only been a "Pastor" to his sheep he has been a pastor to pastors, encouraging all, every step of the way.

Pastor Kerry's outreach to the community has been steadfast, above and beyond the call. His devotion to the youth and children was intense. So intense, he devoted three entire floors of Higher Ground Ministries just for them. Sending vans to bring in the lost, known as a father to the fatherless.

Higher Ground Ministries, from the staff to the congregation, will never forget the rich food we were fed. He taught us well, he gave his best. He poured out his heart and his life for us.

To his family, Pastor Kerry will be remembered as the ultimate family man. He loved camping with them in Stowe VT, vacations at Cap[e Cod and Martha's Vineyard. Ginny was the love of his life. Her loss will be the greatest. We know they will miss him tremendously.

As will his parents Don and Dottie Twing; his two daughters Katie Kamenski and Sarah Hessel along with their husbands Jon Kamenski and Dave Hesel. His three sisters Kathy Fredericks, Janie Higgs, and Jackie Trainque.

Last but certainly not least, his beloved grandchildren, James Twing, Jake Hessel, Levi Hessel and Jessica Kamenski; will forever remember there "Pops" or "Papa"; keeping his memory alive for Carly Kamenski, his soon to be born grand-daughter; and to all his nephews and nieces. He loved you all, and we know your loss will be immeasurable.

A Tribute to the Life and Legacy of Pastor Kerry Twing