For these twenty-three years I have had the privilege of writing some words to you each week in THE MESSENGER. Often they were words of information and encouragement about what was happening in our church or our work together as Baptists. I have loved writing words of commendation about ministers and members who have helped us move forward in ministry. Sometimes these words spoke to burdens we shared over needs in our world, especially in times of disaster or other troubles.
This week I just want to offer a word of THANKS. Thank you Eastern Hills Church family for the distinct privilege of allowing me to be your Pastor for these years. You welcomed me not only into the office of Pastor, but into your hearts and lives. You have been my extended family and you let me be part of yours. No pastor could have been more blessed than I have been in his church. Thank you for being kind and helpful. Thank you for being forgiving when something wasn’t done well. Thank you for encouragement and care for my family all through these years.
No Pastor serves without the support and partnership with others. I have been blessed with wonderful staff through the years. They are too numerous to mention each by name here. But you know the vast work our ministers do. Any success we have had has largely been through their gifts of ministry and tireless efforts. Likewise, all of us are indebted to the fine Ministry Assistants in the office. They have been a joy to work with. They are often the unsung heroes of church work. Finally, I would mention the constant service of someone who has been with us virtually from the beginning of my ministry here. I am so grateful for what Chad Royal has meant to our church through his work preparing our building for multitudes of meetings and worship each week.
So to my dear friends in the church and outstanding ministers and other servants who have walked this journey through all the different stages with me, I simply offer to all of you these two words, THANK YOU!
I hope each of you can join us Sunday for a very meaningful time of worship as I share the final message from the book of Philippians.