It’s hard to believe, but this Sunday will be my last day as your senior pastor. Time has gone by quickly when you look at the big picture. Arlene and I became part of our Freedom church family almost fourteen years ago. What a ride it has been.

Arlene and I are looking forward to celebrating with you on Saturday. We appreciate all of the effort that you have put into making that event special for us. It will be the icing on the cake, so to speak, of the time we have spent with you.

We will be given an opportunity during the program to express our thanks for everyone who comes to wish us well. We have interacted with a lot of people over the years and we are going to enjoy reconnecting with some of them along with all of you.

On Sunday morning, I will be sharing my farewell message with our church family. I have you in mind with the title, I Thank God For You. To give you a head start, read Paul’s prayer to the church in Philippians 1:1-11. These words of encouragement and blessing for Paul’s partners in the gospel will serve as my outline.

This will also be my final weekly devotional to you. I hope you have found this connection at the middle of each week to be a blessing, reminding you to stay centred on Christ and to constantly prepare yourself for spiritual growth through the Word, prayer and the work of the Holy Spirit.

After my message on Sunday, Rev. Ken Raymer from the Western Ontario District of the PAOC will offer a prayer of blessing upon Arlene and me. He will then publicly induct Pastor Tracy as your new senior leader and offer a prayer of commissioning and blessing upon her, Rob and her family.

I anticipate that this will be a memorable weekend for all of us. Let us come together to worship and celebrate with joy and thanksgiving to God for all of his goodness to us.

Blessings.

Pastor Del