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Goodbye…
By Office | October 30, 2009
This month we say goodbye to one of the great families of Aldersgate: Pastor Jan, Pastor Gerry, Jonathan and Benjamin and Stephen. We have been blessed to have them ministering among us.
Pastor Jan has given us a wonderful children’s ministry. Her heart and life have helped our children grow closer to God as she has modeled a vibrant walk with God and taught with excellence. And she has raised up leaders who will continue the excellent foundation that Pastor Jan has helped establish.
Pastor Gerry has enlightened us with great sermons as he skillfully taught the Word of God to us that helped all of us connect more with God. And he has been a sounding board to me as well as served in several leadership areas as together we worked to help Aldersgate become even more what God intended this church to be.
Stephen, before heading off to college helped immeasurably with office work during personnel transitions. He kept the place running with a quiet, confident spirit that helped bring peace in the middle of potential chaos. Jonathan has graced us with his playing in the worship band and his insightful sermons during youth services. And Benjamin has been a great help in the sound booth. And we must not forget the level of competency and dedication that Stephen and Jonathan and Benjamin showed as one of the top quizzing teams in the country. Their leadership in the youth group is greatly appreciated and they give us hope for a bright future as these three exceptional young men continue to respond and follow the call of God.
Needless to say, this outstanding family will be missed. Proverbs 27:5 tells us that “better is open rebuke than hidden love.” We too often hide our love for people until it is too late. Let that not be said of us. During this time of Pastor Appreciation Month, we want to tell Pastor Jan and Pastor Gerry how much we have appreciated their work and life among us. They have set us an example and how they have finished the course at Aldersgate. Their ministry moves on to Decatur so the Kingdom of God and the Free Methodist Church will continue to be enriched.
Our best tribute to them would be to carry on the vision for Aldersgate and heart for the community they so gracefully lived. As we do this their presence and influence, while not physically here, will live on in our hearts and in our ministries.
Thank you Pastor Gerry, Pastor Jan, Stephen, Jonathan and Benjamin for your life and ministry among us. We wish you God’s best in your new ministry.
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