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Heartford
It should have been
named "Heartford." As I type this article, I realize that today
marks the first day of my second year at Hartford. A year ago, I was
still packing the U-Haul to come down here. I was anxious and
excited. My mind was full of questions about the gifts, strengths,
and vision of this great church. I wanted to hear the sacred stories
of the saints and their ministries here in Hartford. I was excited
to celebrate the great history of this church. I read the names of
great pastors like Rev. Sid Lock, Rev. John Wesley Spivey, Rev.
Chris Eckert, Rev. Billy Gaither, Rev. Charles Hays, and Rev. Don
Dean. I was proud to add my name to the list and hoped that I could
be counted as faithful in my ministry here.
It was a year ago
that I came as a stranger among you. Now, as I begin year number, two
you have adopted me as a member of the Hartford family. Our mission
statement claims we are a "family of believers, welcoming everyone,
spreading God's word, and fulfilling spiritual needs." You are
certainly a welcoming family. You have blessed my children with your
affection, my dear wife with your support, and me through your
encouragement and ministry. And Hartford, as a town, has just as
welcoming. I have been blessed by this wonderful community. Members of
the Baptist churches have been receptive to my family and ministry as
much as you have. Our other Methodist churches have been just as
gracious.
Basically, for me,
Hartford has become "Heartford." There is a special piece of heaven
that exists in this world and it is found only in the 36344 zip code.
My heart has found a new love and peace that I didn't know was
possible to attain in just one year of ministry. So, to all my church,
family, thank you for giving me a place in your heart. To all our
Baptist brothers and sisters who are blessing my family, ministry and
our great town, thank you. To all the business and civic groups who
have reached out with the loving arms of Christ, thank you. To all of
you who can call me friend, and not just pastor, thank you.
I pray that this
next year will be just as exciting, just as welcoming, just as
focused, just as prayerful, just as warm, just as real, just as great
as this first year. Again, I reaffirm my commitment to listen and to
lead this congregation with faithfulness and love. Thank you for
making Hartford, "Heartford."
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