Looking Ahead with Gratitude This fall is a meaningful season for Violet Baptist Church. After 30 years of faithful ministry, Pastor Rick is preparing to retire. I’m grateful for the way we’ve been able to approach this transition, with care, prayer, and excitement for what God has ahead. Pastor Rick and I have spent these months talking, planning, and preparing for the handoff. I’ve appreciated the chance to learn from his experience and hear his perspective as we look toward the future. The transition has been going very well, and I’m thankful for his encouragement and for the thoughtfulness he has brought to this season. I’m also grateful for the support our incredible staff and church family has shown. Your prayers and kind words have meant a lot to me and my family. Even as leadership changes, our calling remains the same: to love God, love others, and make disciples. I’m looking forward to serving alongside our staff, leaders, and congregation as we continue that work together. Pastor Rick’s final Sunday preaching will be October 25th. After the second service, we’ll gather for a time of fellowship and have a chance to share our appreciation with him. I hope you’ll join us as we celebrate 30 years of ministry and the many lives he has touched. We want to honor him well and let him know how much we care. While I’ll miss having Pastor Rick in this role, I’m so excited for him, Lisa, and their family as he steps into retirement. I hope this next season gives them time to rest and reflect on all God has done through the years of ministry. It’s hard to put into words how honored I feel to serve Violet as the next Lead Pastor. This church is home, and I’m thankful for the trust you’ve placed in me. I look forward to what’s ahead and to seeing how God will lead us in the years to come. Thank you for walking through this season with us. Let’s celebrate Pastor Rick, pray for him and his family, and step into the next chapter together with gratitude and hope.
Pastor Eric
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