FROM YOUR PASTOR’S HEART March 13, 2023
There are times when I sit down to write this column and I struggle to think of something worthwhile to share. Then, there are days like today, where God has blessed us in so many ways that I have a hard time knowing where to begin. A couple of our dear members have had a few falls recently, with no serious injuries. Several members of our CBC family are dealing with surgeries at this time, but we know that God is always faithful to care for His children. There was also a heavy burden lifted, pun intended, as the old stove was removed from the kitchen and the new stove installed, without injuries!
God continues to show Himself faithful, as do His people, in the area of giving to the Lord’s work. Even during these challenging economic times, the tithes and offerings to God and His Church remain consistent and generous. We are grateful to God for His constant care and provisions for His people. I can identify with David’s statement about the Lord in Psalm 37:25, “I have been young, and now am old; yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken, nor His seed begging bread.” In my thirty years as your pastor, I have never once worried about how I was going to provide for my family or we were going to pay our bills at the church.
Another amazing gift from God that is on my heart today is the faithful service of our CBC staff and family members. I am in awe of the team that the Lord assembled and how well we have worked together for so many years. Without a doubt, our “team leader” is Mrs. Joyce Tate, with 41 years of service! She has a true servant’s heart and is loved by all of us. We are blessed beyond measure to have retained the services of Bro. Ken Goldsby for 23 years, as our Minister of Music. And, God blessed CBC richly by having Margie “Harrington” Whitney grow up in this church to serve as our pianist.
In addition to our paid staff, the Lord has blessed us with dedicated church members, who serve in various capacities throughout the week. We have people coming and going all week long, making repairs to the building, decorating our Fellowship Hall and Sanctuary, and preparing for special events. For example, I put out a call for help on the day of delivery of the new stove and several strong men showed up to help, along with some sweet ladies, who mopped the floor during the exchange. I am eternally grateful for every servant-leader in this church, and the sweet spirit with which you serve!
Serving in love, Bro. Jim