“The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face to shine upon you, and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up his countenance upon you, and give you peace. So shall they put my name on the Israelites, and I will bless them.” (Numbers 6:24-27)
It is hard to summarize five years of pastoral ministry, except to say thank you, and thanks to God, for the privilege to serve Christ with you during these years. They went fast, but hold many fond remembrances that I will always cherish…picnics, bible studies, mission trips, confirmation groups…dinner and devotions, prayer times, worship and late night meetings (just a few)…the magical Easter Sunday water fountain and the beauty of Christmas Eve candlelight…children and youth growing up…enough bookshelves for too many books (I did let 1/3 of them go)…nice office, a beautifully maintained church facility, sound leadership…caring people…a great God and a great Lord; so many blessings.
Thank you for your support, your prayers, and your devoted service to Christ. As I reminded the Church Council, Paul kept each church in fervent prayer, concluding his letters with a word of grace. Even though I will not be able to see you for a while, you will always be in my prayers.
Many have asked what will I do in a retired status. I plan to continue, in a more active way, the ministry of pastoral counseling. I am a part-time associate counselor with the Virginia Institute of Pastoral Care. The Institute offers many counseling services for individuals, couples, family and groups, and has for nearly forty years. Satellite centers are located within a twenty mile radius of the Richmond area. These centers are hosted for VIPCare by local church congregations. I am currently at the St. Matthias Episcopal Church center near Midlothian, Va. Even though this ministry will take place mostly in the Richmond area, a future role in the Roanoke Valley might be explored.
Finally, may blessings abound as you look to the future. Your next pastor, Kristin Holbrook, comes to you under the call of the Holy Spirit. She brings a wide array of special gifts, experiences and abilities (see her welcoming introduction on the next page). All who have met her, including myself, are excited for you and for her. As you receive Kristin, receive also the gifts of faith, hope and love. Together you will be empowered by them.
From Paul’s second letter to the Thessalonians, “…may the Lord of peace give you peace at all times in all ways…(and) the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with all of you” (2 Thess. 3:16a, 18).
~ Shalom, Dave
