Dear Friends,

I am most grateful for the outpouring of support and kindness on the occasion of my 10th anniversary as your Pastor here at Grace Baptist. I wish to extend my sincere thanks to all who were able to join us at last Sunday’s anniversary celebration and luncheon, as well as the support and prayers of many others.

I am particularly grateful to the many people who volunteered their time and energy. Please know of my sincere thanks to each member of the anniversary committee as you most generously gave of your time and effort in making the celebration so enjoyable. From the organ prelude to the McDonald’s themed lunch, it was a day I will always cherish. Thank you also for the generous monetary gift that Amy and I were given.

I don’t want to start mentioning names because I will invariably leave someone out. That would never be my intent because I am so grateful to every individual who participated and who contributed. I do, however, want to pay special tribute to the children of our church who sang and played their bells so beautifully, shared a “Pastor’s Chat” and presented me with a beautiful quilt that I will always cherish. The children are a growing and significant part of our church and I thank God for each one of them.

It’s hard to believe that I’ve been your pastor for 10 years. By the way, did you notice in the beautiful video how my hair has gradually turned from slightly grey when I arrived here to almost white today?! It also occurred to me Sunday that my contract stipulates that after 10 years of service, I am eligible for an extended sabbatical. So…I’ll see you guys next year, maybe in March. I’m just kidding, of course. I’ve never needed to worry about time off and you have been so gracious in allowing me the necessary time I’ve needed for different hospitalizations and health challenges. I sincerely thank you for that!

To be sure, we have not accomplished all of our goals or reached all of our dreams. But we have made a start. I hope that I have made a contribution. I celebrate 10 years as your pastor in a spirit of praise and thanksgiving to God. I am grateful for all the many blessings received throughout my life, including being pastor of Grace Baptist. My years as your pastor have been filled with many opportunities to serve others for God. I love being your pastor and pray that together we will continue to serve Him with our whole heart and soul.

Please be assured of my prayers for you and your families, and I ask for your prayers as we journey together in the faith we share.

God Bless,

Pastor George