Pastor’s Corner – August 2018

One Year Ago…

Do you remember a year ago?  You were wondering just what this new pastor you’d called would be like; and we were wondering about this new congregation and community we’d been called to serve.  There were so many unknowns and questions for us all.  But just behind all of that uncertainty was our God, who holds all of us in His hands, who knows the future as certainly as the past.  God has shown all of us that He knows exactly what He is doing.  Without a doubt, it has been a wonderful year.  One of the things I enjoyed most at the EPC General Assembly in June was being able to brag about the wonderful congregation I’ve been blessed to serve as pastor for the past year.  As I told several friends and mentors, I couldn’t imagine a better congregation to serve for my first solo pastorate. It’s hard to find the words to express how thankful I am for how you’ve welcomed and loved my family over the past year.   The picture to the right was taken the day we moved into our new home.

…But There’s More To Come!

As great as the past year has been, I can’t wait to see all that God has in store for the year(s!) to come.  The various ministries of the church and the Session are hard at work prayerfully discerning how God is already at work in and around us, and how He is inviting us to join Him in that work.  Plans are being laid for some pretty cool things in Christian Education, Missions & Outreach, Worship and Fellowship over the months to come.  The best part is that you get a sneak peek at what’s ahead on Rally Day, coming up Sunday, August 26.  How is God inviting you to continue growing as a disciple of Jesus Christ and what opportunities is He providing for you to serve as Jesus’ hands and feet?  Plan to join us for Rally Day and you just might find out.  We look forward to seeing you there!

Blessings,

Rev. David Garrison


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Ways to Help With Tornado Cleanup

There are several ways to provide assistance and aid to those impacted by the tornado in Lynchburg and Elon.
 
If you would like to volunteer, please to go www.amherststrong.com.  Volunteers must be 16 years or older, and will have to sign a liability waiver.
 
Amherst County Chamber of Commerce is accepting disaster relief donations for individuals and families affected by the tornado.  You can find a list of what to donate and where to take it here: http://www.facebook.com/AmherstVAChamber/posts/10156431846504470.
 
Gleaning for the World is also actively involved in bringing aid to those affected.  If you would like to donate to Gleaning, please see the following link: https://gftw.org/central-va-tornado/.
 
We will update this post as more opportunities become available.
 
Thank you for caring and supporting our community!

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Pastor’s Corner – November 2017

Envisioning The Future

As we mentioned in last month’s newsletter, there will be a Leadership Retreat the weekend of November 10-12. The Session and I are really excited about this opportunity, and want to share a bit more about it with you. While Friday night is particularly for staff and elders, we are encouraging anyone who is interested to join us Saturday (8:30am-4:00pm – lunch included!) as we explore how we can more effectively and intentionally live out The Great Commission at Northminster EPC and in Madison Heights and Amherst County. Dr. Ken Priddy from the EPC’s Go Center will be joining us for this weekend. In addition to the sessions Friday night and Saturday, Dr. Priddy will also be teaching Sunday school and preaching in worship on November 12.

Should You Come?

You might be wondering if you should plan to attend on Saturday. If you are wondering how God might be planning to work in and through Northminster in the years to come, then yes, you should come. If you want to be part of how God is going to work in and through Northminster in the years to come, then yes, you should come. If you have been actively involved in Northminster in the past and have been hoping and praying for her future, yes, you should come. I firmly believe that God has some amazing things in store for this congregation in the years to come, and I think we’ll start to get a glimpse of that over this weekend.
I know lives are busy, and only getting busier this time of year, but we think this is an important opportunity and hope you’ll carve some time out for it. After all, we’re providing lunch!
If you can’t make it Saturday, be sure to be here for Sunday school and worship on Sunday morning, November 12. It’ll be a great opportunity to get a taste of what we talked about on Sunday, as well as being encouraged in knowing that God is still at work in and through us.

Thank You, Once Again

Thank you all for the wonderful service and reception celebrating my installation as your pastor. My family and I continue to be overwhelmed by the warm and loving welcome you have extended to us. Special thanks go out to Anne Wilkins and all who helped coordinate and decorate the Fellowship Hall. It was an amazing evening!
Blessings,
Rev. David Garrison

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