40

Forgive me for being a little sentimental this week, but 40 years ago on this Sunday

[Labor Day Weekend] I officially preached my first sermon as your Pastor. Here are a

few of the things I have learned and experienced over the fast pace 40 years:

1. Edda does not have the prophetic gift! We had been here a month or two and

she said to me, “I have a feeling we are not going to be here very long!” Both of

us are glad we have and she is really right – compared to eternity 40 years is a

drop in the bucket!

2. Leaving Fort Worth was not easy! We left some cherished friends to the west of

us! However, one of the joys of this church is not that I am pastor and you are

members, but I consider you to be my closest friends!

3. Pastor’s Kids – most of the time they act like any other kids but too many

churches hold them to a ridiculous standard of behavior. But this has been a

great church for my kids – and now grandkids. I don’t ever remember any of my

children complaining about going to church. Thank you so much for the example

and support you have given to this family!

4. And a BIG, BIG appreciation for letting me lead you to truly be a missional

church. At times I think of some of the things I have asked you to do and I am

totally amazed and grateful for you going on that journey with me! You are truly a

great church!

I don’t have time or space to share all that the past 40 years have meant to me. I have

given it my best effort to…

 …make much of Jesus!

 …have great confidence in the Gospel to change any person or situation!

 …faithfully preach the Word of God!

 …lead you to be missional and multi-ethnic!

 …to walk with you through sorrow, sickness, and difficulty!

God has yet to reveal when this ride will be over but until then know that pastoring you

has been one of the great privileges of my life! TO HIS GLORY!

larry