Thank you
What can we say about this past Sunday’s anniversary celebration? If your intent was to leave us so very, very encouraged and blessed, you totally succeeded!
Different members spoke words of affirmation to our family for 29 years of service. The staff made a special video with each one offering congratulations and fond memories. Cards, gifts, thoughts, food [including meals throughout the week]—we were so blessed. Even the music had a special touch and anointing! Thank you, everyone, for your planning and caring.
We did not know when we came to pastor in 1981 that a larger part of our lives would be lived in Charlottesville. With only four pastors in 58 years, we have served as long as the other three pastors combined time---half of the life of the church.
Time together is shared time. It is a two-way street. We make room for each other. The respect and dignity we give to each other is the beauty and grace that speaks of Christ in our lives.
We face challenges together. Building programs test us with decisions about things visible and the cost of facilities. Times of tragedy bring tears and heartache that press us toward God. Joys of birth, marriage, graduations, and other celebrations are moments that we stand on top of mountains and delight in divine favor.
At the heart of all our experiences we know that the journey is one leading us to higher ground. We are a people of God walking a road of faith. We are disciples learning from each other how to follow Our Lord Jesus in practice of holiness. We are followers in that we humble ourselves to serve. We are champions in that we choose not to sin. We ambition to minister to others with acts of kindness that influence them toward God. We believe that what we sow we reap. We believe that if we sow righteousness we will reap righteousness.
As a people you have blessed my family. You have allowed us to serve. You have respected our leadership, seeing that we are not selfish, not seeking personal glory, and not seeking personal gain from ministry. We gratefully acknowledge your care and expressions of love knowing that we have been treated better than we deserve.
We stand in this great moment on the very pinnacle of history. We believe these are prophetic times anticipating the coming of Jesus for His Church. We believe the harvest is ripe. We sense urgency that we must be about the work of Jesus to fulfill the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19,20).
Our world is desperately in need of a voice of hope. The message of hope that resonates to the soul is Jesus. We must preach, teach, and live passionately the gospel of Jesus with all efforts to bring the lost, hurting, captive, and lonely to salvation of body and soul.
We believe that all the past is foundation for the present. God is at work. This is a choice moment of opportunity as the Holy Spirit empowers us to do great exploits for Christ.
We praise the Lord for a prayer team that is committed to intercession. Every Sunday people gather in the prayer room at 7:45 with open invitation. First Friday Prayer is a staple. Many are part of the prayer team who cannot attend special meetings. Bless you.
This is our pledge to you. As long as the Lord allows our family to serve you it will be with a full and devoted heart. We can do no less based on Jesus' love for us, our love for Him, your love for us, and our love for you.
Thank you for opening your hearts and loving us. Thank you for sharing the wonderful journey of serving Our Lord and His Church!
Gratefully,
Pastor Bare
Hebrews 12