Two Meetings
The last Sunday of August 1981 Laila and I, Danny, Dana, and Josh waited on the sidewalk outside of Covenant Church while the congregation of Covenant Church voted. Our lease was up the next morning. We had to move out of the home we had occupied for a year.
The question was whether we would be accepted as the pastor’s family. The vote was unanimous. We went home about 9 PM. The next morning a Pepsi truck was loaned to move us from one side of Charlottesville to the other side. It was a long and hot day. The former pastor and wife, Dr. Landreth and Ethel, moved out the back door as we moved in the front door.
Three weeks later the church committed $16,000 in offering and a building program was launched. Seven months later we moved into a new sanctuary and about 4,000 additional square feet of classroom space. Much of the work was done by volunteers.
Through the years God graciously added to us wonderful people representing many cultures. We have been blessed to be hands and feet to care for the poor, minister to prisoners, serve our community, send missionaries, and develop hundreds of disciples.
From our doors teachers, preachers, pastors, youth leaders, missionaries, professors, soldiers, attorneys, etc., have gone out to serve our God and our country. God has graciously blessed us to be a training ground for disciples. We seek and desire and work hard to develop skilled people for Kingdom work.
Quietly, we have taken in numerous ministers who have been bruised and broken. We have been a place of healing to help bring them back into strong and powerful ministry. We thank God for His trust in us to be servants to those who have suffered brokenness.
Over time the Lord trusted us to shepherd folks from various countries and cultures. He trusted us to love and nurture blended families. He trusted us to host and disciple peoples from refugee camps, from war-torn countries, from prison, and from the ravages of sin. We hold this trust sacred and recognize that only grace has kept us, grace which we must share with others.
Last Sunday was the last Sunday of our 30th year as the pastor’s family. It began with an appreciation breakfast for SBS facilitators. Then morning services and Sunday Bible Study. A dinner with deacons followed. Then an Elders’ meeting, simultaneous with the Ladies’ SNL hosted by our Filipino ladies. Only minutes later a congregational meeting.
Thirty years later we sat in the congregation with leaders clarifying strategic plans for the next five years. We listened to capable persons describe how and why Covenant Church is strong and will be a force in these times. My part as pastor was to update regarding the possibility of a building program. We discussed plans that could include an elevator, large foyer, and additional classroom space.
Thirty years later we are on a launching pad. Opportunity knocks on our door. We are blessed, and we are resolved that we will offer ourselves willingly to God for His glory during these challenging times.
Today we met with county officials to discuss our dreams and hopes. I rejoice to share with you that expectations of the county are minimal. We will proceed into exploration and keep you advised.
I have never been more excited…believing this is OUR TIME to maximize potential.
Pastor Bare
Philippians 4:8