Pastor’s Perspective June 2023

Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. (Ephesians 6:10)

Hopewell, again I want to thank everyone for the kindness extended to Alene and I as we celebrated our 40^th Wedding Anniversary. As Alene often says, people don’t have to be kind. So, thanks for your genuine expressions of love. As we enter in the month of June in the words of Deacon Marvin Lowe, we have come to the sixth mile of the way this year and we have demonstrated a willingness to be committed to serving God with a renewed perspective. I want to thank every member for your prayers, presence, and participation. For we have in the words of The Apostle Paul continued to be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. It is apparent that God is truly manifesting Himself in our midst as we worship him in Spirit and in Truth.

As you know this is the month when we celebrate our graduating seniors, and this year our guest speaker will be our own Dr. Verda Farrow. Dr. Farrow has served faithfully as our first Chairperson of our Scholarship Committee and has effectively transitioned the leadership to Dr. Norice Callaway.  I know our graduates as well as everyone present will be inspired, encouraged, and challenged by Dr. Farrow’s message. And as always, I am asking, along with the Scholarship Committee, that everyone contribute to our scholarship fund no matter the amount. I also want to thank everyone in advance for donating according to your level of academic achievement.

And finally, this is the month we celebrate the faithful Fathers in our congregation. Now, for those of us whose fathers are in the presence of God, let us reflect on the love and lessons taught to us when they were among us. And for those who may not have known your biological father, thank God for being a loving father to you and for the loving father you have become. I would like to add, that since our fierce Fathers of Valor are just as significant in the eyes of God as our Virtuous Mothers, I want to encourage every son, daughter, and God Child to do something very special, for our fathers are truly deserving of it. And again, this year we will celebrate all the Men in our congregation who love like fathers. Their mentorship is making a major difference in the lives of many of our youth.

So, Hopewell as we continue to recommit to serving God with a renewed perspective, I ask that you continue to honor our covenant to follow me even as I follow Christ.

Recommitting to Serving God,

Pastor R. C. Stanley