Hello, Goodbye

A year plus ago, our pastor, Jim, left us. It was due to some unfortunate circumstances. I will not elaborate on his leaving except it left many hearts broken, angry, disappointed, confused and sad. This divided the church and some left for personal reasons.

The church was left without a pastor to shepherd the flocks. The board approach Graham, a retired pastor, out of retirement, to lead the church for a short spell till they can find a suitable replacement. Also helping out was another retired pastor, Brian. I have high praises for these 2 men. Both men have shown integrity in their faith. Personally I would love to have these 2 men to shepherd us.

After a year over of searching, a suitable replacement was found. Yesterday we welcomed our new pastor, Tony. He is married with 3 teenage children. The elders of the church welcomed him and prayed for him. Tony will begin his ministry early next year.

Welcoming Tony (in suit)

Graham was also thanked for his help during the “wilderness” period. He finished off end of this year. The church prayed for him too. Graham told the church members to put aside their differences, forget the past, forgive and move forward. It is time for healing.

Graham(front in jacket) telling the church members to move forward.

Lunch was served after the service for the church members to get to know Tony and to say goodbye to Graham. We did not stay; we took the choo choo train into the city to catch the Christmas festive mood.

That, my friend will be another story to be told.