St Paul Church

Pastor's Message for July 2011

How does one summarize and express appreciation for 5 years of ministry and church life? I don’t think I can even begin to do so. It has been a great run and a wonderful experience. It has been a “God-thing” without a doubt. I am, even now, continuing to discover how much it has meant to me.

I remember when I first saw St. Paul Church and realized how large the congregation must be. I thought, “Dear God, do you want me to pastor this church? It is far beyond anything I have done to this point.” And I wondered seriously if I was up to the challenge.

I came here believing my stay would be for a year or maybe a bit more. It was only to be until a permanent pastor was found, who would live in the parsonage and give full time attention to the church ministry. I have always believed that there were good reasons for seeking a full-time pastor. And I still see that there are more people and ministries and activities to attend to than is possible for a part-time minister. More can be done to minister to our members and to reach into our communities with the message of Christ.

I want you to know that I am not moving on because I am unhappy. That is certainly not the case. I have had an incredible experience in being your spiritual leader. God has done wonderful things and I praise Him for all that has transpired in the past 5 years. In fact, I am sad about leaving because you are now my friends and even more, my family. I believe that what God wanted to accomplish through my ministry is completed and it is time for another pastor who can devote more of his time to the church. I pray that Pastor Scott is that pastor.

Over the years we have genuinely connected. God truly brought us together. We have gone through many things together … good times, happy times, sad times and difficult times. And through it all, God has been growing us into a more healthy church. That has most certainly been a work of God’s grace and through His strength from above. Praise Him!

Continue, then, walking with the Lord. Keep on doing the things you have been doing well, such as caring for each other, sending cards, making phone calls, visiting those in need and always giving generously. You truly know how to do the “work of the ministry.”

I leave you with some words from the Scripture:

• “Be devoted to one another in brotherly love.” (Romans 12:10)
• “Honor one another above yourselves.” (Romans 12:10)
• “Accept one another, just as Christ accepted you.” (Romans 15:7)
• “Serve one another in love.” (Galatians 5:13)
• “Bear one another’s burdens and thus fulfill the law of Christ.” (Galatians 6:2)
• “Be completely humble and gentle; bearing one another in love.” (Ephesians 4:2)
• “Encourage one another and build each other up!” (I Thessalonians 5:11)

Thank you all for the support, gift cards and words of encouragement. I have always felt loved and appreciated. I plan to stay connected and won’t be far away. One plan that I do have is to visit my mother in Pennsylvania. I want you to know that she has been praying for you faithfully over the past 5 years, and I don’t expect her to stop just because of this change. I really wish she could have visited you. I know there would have been an instant connection with her as well.

May God bless each of you and may God continue to bless this part of His body, known as St. Paul Church of Epleyanna.

Love in Jesus,

Pastor Dick

Posted: July 8th, 2011 by Robin W under Pastor's Messages.