A Busy Couple of Weeks

The last couple of weeks have been pretty busy, and there's no sign of slowing down.With our move and ministry transition, there's been a lot to accomplish around the house and to figure out at church. This week I also have a funeral to officiate (on Tuesday), so I've really "hit the ground running" at Ensley Baptist Church.

We do have much to be thankful for, as we have received a very warm reception, and even a fully stocked pantry.

In the midst of the busyness - whether it's our busyness, or the busyness of the holidays, here are a few Bible passages that I hope will be an encouragement to you. Above all, please remember that God is with us!

All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet: "Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel" (which means, God with us). (Mat 1:22-23 ESV)
 Finally, brothers, rejoice. Aim for restoration, comfort one another, agree with one another, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you. (2 Cor. 13:11 ESV)
Now may our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God our Father, who loved us and gave us eternal comfort and good hope through grace, comfort your hearts and establish them in every good work and word. (2 Thes. 2:16-17 ESV)

In His grip,

Pastor Decker

THE CLOSE OF ANOTHER CHAPTER

                                                

If our lives were documented in books (either biographies or autobiographies), I have to imagine that they would be filled with many chapters—each reflecting a different phase of our lives. Though we may see some of you throughout this week, this Sunday closes a chapter in our lives. It’s not very inventive, but I suppose the title would be “Ministry at Dayton Center Church.”

This chapter would be filled with many stories—some sad, some happy, some were easy times, some reflect heartaches—but all were meaningful and valuable. There would be many pictures—some of you who are at Dayton Center Church today, some of people who have come and gone over the years of our ministry, and some of people who are now in our Lord’s presence. As they say, “a picture is worth a thousand words,” but I’m sure they would also be worth many, many memories.

There are many things I could say at this point, but, I will sum them up with the words, “Thank you.” Thank you for the impact that all of you have had on our lives over the past five years. We first met some of you on September 30, 2007 as pre-candidates for the pastorate of Dayton Center Church. Two weeks later, we met more of you as I was a candidate to be your pastor. Then, on December 29, 2007, we moved here and I officially became your pastor. I am thankful that God and you called me to be your pastor and for the privilege I’ve had to be involved in your lives. I hope and pray that we’ve all grown during our time together. I also pray that we will continue to grow until we enter Christ’s presence and are finally made perfect in Him.

Today,  I’ve chosen the closing song, “Blest Be The Tie That Binds” (by John Fawcett). I’m sure that the last verse will be hard to sing, but here it is:  “When we asunder part, it gives us inward pain; but we shall still be joined in heart and hope to meet again.” Those words ring true. Please keep is in your prayers, as we will pray for you in this time of transition.

Finally, in the words of Paul, “Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times in every way. The Lord be with you all.” (2 Thessalonians 3:16 ESV)

In His grip, 

Pastor Decker