I have had a fulfilling year--my first--as Teaching Pastor. In my preaching, teaching and presiding on Sunday, I have found a warm and receptive congregation. Not only that, but I have found this to be a congregation with many strengths, and many folks with amazing gifts. I am learning much, and being ministered to. I echo Paul’s words in Romans 1: “I am longing . . . to be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith, both yours and mine.”

Many of you have worked through Romans with me, verse by verse, over about six months. Others of you have studied Genesis together with me. And a good number of you have looked at a) ten questions we were afraid to ask at church (hopefully now you are no longer afraid to ask! Hah!), and/or b) eight moments in church history. This summer during VBS about forty of you struggled through 1 John with me.

I have learned much. But better than that, I have sensed the presence of the Holy Spirit working among us, and at times brooding over us. I say the latter because I believe He wants to do a new work among us, but I am not sure what. Since the Spirit always acts in submission to the Word (John 16.14), I wonder if he will do new things as we hunker down this year in more intense study of the Word (Pastor Mark and I will lead a one-year intensive study of New Testament books in Sunday School) as well as through home group studies, other Sunday School classes, and your own private study.

In any event, I have felt privileged to be here. Your faith and love have inspired me. I have made many mistakes. Thank you for forgiving and forbearing. Please don’t hesitate to disagree, ask questions, or just talk (387-3857 home; 375-2375 office; mcdermott@roanoke.edu).

Pastor Gerry

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