This next week we will have a group of ladies going to Baltimore, Maryland for the Southern Baptist Convention and to prayer walk and visit with Brent Gordon and company. They will be taking with them the prayers and love of our church family as well as financial gifts from the church and some individuals. For those who are new to our church family, Brent Gordon was on staff with us for four years. He and a team from JIBC felt called to go to Baltimore to start a new church. He is working with large church in Baltimore called Gallery Church. He is supported through Gallery Church, the Baltimore Baptist Association and the North American Mission Board. He already has a church campus and a church parsonage as a part of Gallery Church. To God be the glory. What a blessing to start with so much support, a place to live and a team that was ready to go.
Second, let’s give God glory and thanks for Marty’s first week with us. To use a baseball term, the praise team hit it out of the park. One of our senior adults said to me: “Now that is how worship should be, I hope he keeps it like that. I like me some Marty!” I agree. What a heart for worship. He bought 3 of his friends with him for the first week. The bass guitar player was here for only last Sunday. He will start his internship at Faith Assembly. Robert and Cameron plan to join us again this coming week. Although Marty will be part time, he will be keeping regular office hours during the week.
Third, let’s keep our friend, Fred Hudson, in our prayers as well. We are doing for Fred, something similar that we did for Brent Gordon. We paid and supported Brent even though Sean was already here and on staff. That let Sean get to work immediately and gave Brent income as he began his new work. We are doing a very similar thing for Fred. He is still “on staff” and available to our church even though he is not present, playing or leading, during worship. This gives Marty and our praise team the opportunity to carry on even while Fred is involved in other adventures. Fred is still being paid and is still considered on staff and available to us while he is being paid. He still gives lessons here and is available to us just as Brent was available even though Sean was here.
Looking forward to seeing you Sunday, good Lord willing,
Pastor Tom
