For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven. Ecclesiastes 3:1
For me, these past several months have been a season for discernment and prayer. As I reflect back over our twenty plus years together, I am humbled by the privilege that has been mine to serve as your pastor.
Many seasons have come and gone during this time of shared ministry. Fourteen individuals have witnessed to their faith through the act of baptism, and we have welcomed forty-seven new members into our church family. I have officiated at sixteen weddings and have participated in seventy-five or so memorial and/or committal services. But these are all numbers.
The greatest joy has been witnessing to the power of God’s presence at work in the lives of our church family. As you have matured in your faith, you have learned to be the church of Jesus Christ. You have given witness to your faith as you participate in leading in worship and prayer, and as you reach out to help one another.
Your faith has taken you beyond the doors of the building as you have shared Jesus’ love during our times of worship and hymn singing in long-term care facilities. You have given generously of your time and resources for the outreach of South Providence Neighborhood Ministries, Canonicus Camp & Conference Center, and our mission interests across our land and around the world.
I rejoice with you and pray God’s blessings upon you as you move forward into the next chapter of God at work in and through the people of Tabernacle Baptist Church. May the peace of God abide with you always.
Pastor Joyce
For me, these past several months have been a season for discernment and prayer. As I reflect back over our twenty plus years together, I am humbled by the privilege that has been mine to serve as your pastor.
Many seasons have come and gone during this time of shared ministry. Fourteen individuals have witnessed to their faith through the act of baptism, and we have welcomed forty-seven new members into our church family. I have officiated at sixteen weddings and have participated in seventy-five or so memorial and/or committal services. But these are all numbers.
The greatest joy has been witnessing to the power of God’s presence at work in the lives of our church family. As you have matured in your faith, you have learned to be the church of Jesus Christ. You have given witness to your faith as you participate in leading in worship and prayer, and as you reach out to help one another.
Your faith has taken you beyond the doors of the building as you have shared Jesus’ love during our times of worship and hymn singing in long-term care facilities. You have given generously of your time and resources for the outreach of South Providence Neighborhood Ministries, Canonicus Camp & Conference Center, and our mission interests across our land and around the world.
I rejoice with you and pray God’s blessings upon you as you move forward into the next chapter of God at work in and through the people of Tabernacle Baptist Church. May the peace of God abide with you always.
Pastor Joyce