I am sure you will join me in appreciation for the service of William Robles to our church for more than ten years as our Hispanic Ministry Pastor. As you may know his father recently passed away and his mother and extended family remain in Columbia. William has concluded his service with our church and has returned for a period of time to take care of family matters in his home country. During this time his wife, Connie, and daughter, Isabella, will be here. I know you will want to remember their family in prayer. Until further notice, our Hispanic Ministry will not be meeting.
During the last six weeks our church has entered into a discipleship study called “Ordinary.” The purpose of these home-group studies has been to focus on the everyday things we can do as Christians living out our faith. Key among these were “humble acts of service, neighborly love, and hospitality.” Along the way we discussed the plight of the homeless, home and family difficulties, children awaiting adoption and other issues in our own city. I am also very grateful to each family who hosted a group in their home for these weeks.
As a conclusion to our studies we have invited guests from the Alabama Baptist Children’s Home ministry and Christian social ministries from our association to share in a discussion this Sunday afternoon. In this setting we will focus more on how Baptists are working together and how we can become more involved in meeting needs and expressioning the compassion of Christ to those around us. I invite you to join us Sunday afternoon at 5:00 p.m. in the sanctuary.
You will recall when I made my announcement about retirement plans, I encouraged the church to proceed with forming a Pastor Search Committee. The proper committees have done their work and are offering a list of names from which the church will make selections. There will be a Called Business Meeting at the end of the morning worship on August 27 for the purpose of electing a Search Committee from the names proposed and any names which may be placed in nomination from the floor. It is my hope that you will begin praying now for those who will be elected and the important work ahead for them.