Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
One of the hymns we sang at my farewell dinner last Sunday evening was “Great is Thy Faithfulness.” As we were singing, I was reflecting on how true the lyrics of this hymn are: Morning by morning new mercies I see; all I have needed thy hand hath provided – “Great is thy faithfulness,” Lord, unto me!
God has always been, is now, and always will be faithful. We can count on that! As we continued to sing, the second verse really touched me as I thought about Crabtree Valley Baptist Church. Summer and winter, and springtime and harvest, sun, moon and stars in their courses above, join with all nature in manifold witness to thy great faithfulness, mercy and love. As CVBC goes through a time of transition, it is important to remember and believe that throughout all of life’s seasons, God’s faithfulness remains great. Throughout summer and winter, and springtime and harvest, God remains faithful. Throughout changes in our lives and transitions in the church, God remains faithful. Throughout all times and in all places, great is God’s faithfulness!
I thank God for his faithfulness and blessings. I also thank all of you for the many ways you have blessed me over the last 21 months. I am forever grateful that you have given me the opportunity to preach, teach, and lead. I am endlessly thankful that you have so graciously welcomed me into this church, into your homes, and into your lives. Thank you for letting me be a part of the important milestones in your life. Thank you for allowing me to share sacred moments – sitting beside you when you were in the hospital, praying for you when you were sick, and crying with you when you were grieving. Thank you, also, for inviting me to rejoice with you in joyful times. Thank you for letting me laugh and celebrate and share meals with you. I love and care about each of you. I will continue to love and care about each of you, as you will always hold a special place in my heart.
My prayer for you as a church is that you will put your trust in God’s great faithfulness. I pray that you will continue to trust and follow Jesus Christ, who is the head of the church. Do not grow weary in doing well. Love one another. Continue to let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven. Great is God’s faithfulness!
Yours in Christ,
Pastor Nola
