Indeed, it is official, Pastor Dave is the new senior pastor at Cobourg Alliance Church (CAC), Cobourg, Ontario.
We drove to Cobourg, Ontario this past Sunday, March 6,2005 to witness Ps.Dave's installation and the official welcome to the Smith Family. After the service, refreshments were served and there was an opportunity to meet and talk to some of the leadership at CAC. A couple of the leaders shared their experiences during their Senior Pastoral Search. I talked to one about Praise and Worship (I lead as well as belong to a P&W team at FAC).
Rev.Doug Wiebe, District Superintendent for the region, officiated and delivered the sermon this past Sunday. I felt some sadness, and it felt strange, when Pastor Dave and Barb were called up on to the platform and 'sworn in' (if I could use the expression) as the Senior Pastor. For over 8 years he (Ps.Dave) was our Senior Pastor at Fairview Alliance Church (FAC). Our Lord Jesus Christ took me, my wife and children under His wings through Ps.Dave's obedient answer to God's call to pay a house visit to an ailing mother-in-law (Nil's mom passed away March 5,1997) way back March 5,1997.
In some way, there was closure; it is real, he is not my, our, senior pastor anymore.
We had a lot of catching up with Ps.Dave and Barb, so we went to a newly discovered (to replace Pavillon Wong of Pointe Claire- Montreal) Chinese Buffet in Port Hope, located a few minutes drive from their new home. After lunch, we stopped by their place for a tour of their new home before driving back to Montreal, a good 4.5 hour drive.
Continuity in relationships is part of our Lord's plan. Ps.Dave and I have developed, I believe this truly, a special kind of friendship only the two of us would really know and understand. He's played many a role in my walk with our Lord. One of this continuity in relationships involves my eldest daughter Pam. My eldest daughter Pam and Ps.Dave's eldest son Allen are engaged to be married this October 2005, Lord willing. We'll be truly family- Praise the Lord for that!!
1 comment:
Thanks J.
The wedding will be celebrated here at Fairview (our church), Ps.Dave will be officiating (of course), October 29,2005 - Lord willing.
Meantime, during this time of transition, as we search for a new Senior Pastor, the congregation will have to pull even closer together, tighter, united, and be willing to be stretched and step out of the comfort zone.
Blessings bro!
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