From Generation to Generation

This past Sunday’s gathering was a special time for me as we celebrated the presentation of God’s Word to our first graders and high school graduates. Many of the Pearce family gathered for a single worship service on Sunday morning, followed by a delicious outdoor picnic. I want to extend a special thanks to all those who participated in this wonderful day of celebrating the gift of the Scriptures.

Pastor Kathy mentioned to me that a young mother who brings her son to Pearce’s “Kids Gym” on Wednesday mornings was a first-time attender at Sunday’s worship service. At the picnic the mom told Rita Dean that it was such a wonderful morning that she planned to come back. I hope and pray that she does!

Martha Is Retiring!

It is with sadness that I inform you of the retirement of Martha Beales from Pearce’s staff. Martha has worked in our church’s office for the past twelve and one-half years, keeping track of everyone’s contact information and assisting our entire staff’s ministry in a hundred and one ways. She will be greatly missed! Martha is leaving to devote more time to family and accomplish the “bucket list” she has begun making. Martha’s last day in the office will be on Thursday, June 28. Please be sure and express to her our deep appreciation for her faithful service.

Ring that Bell!

I am excited to report that we reached our goal in raising funds to help finance the restoration of Pearce’s bell tower. As of this past weekend, we received a total of $26,298, exceeding our goal by $1,298. Thank you for helping us to continue to be good stewards of our church’s facility.

 

 

Update on Latin America

Dr. Delia Nüesch-Olver and her team has launched a new website to help keep us informed about developments in Latin American missions, including Argentina. Check out this new resource at www.latinamericaarea.com to find out more about what is happening in this country with whom Pearce is partnering in ministry.

 

 

This Weekend’s Message

For the past few months we have been considering the ways in which God speaks to us through His Story. This weekend I’m going to consider how we enter into conversation with God. My text is Luke 11:1-4, the account of Jesus teaching His disciples how to pray. I hope you’ll join us!

The Return of Old Friends!

This past Tuesday I received a wonderful bit of news from Rev. Greg Harp. Many of you know Greg, as he was a valued part of Pearce’s staff from 2001 to 2007. Last Sunday Greg announced to his present congregation, the Ransomville, New York, Free Methodist Church, that he would be leaving and moving back to Rochester with his family.

Greg is presently working on his Doctor of Ministry degree in Marriage and Family Therapy and will be devoting his time to his studies and seeking opportunities to develop his counseling skills.

In his note to me, Greg wrote: “We are excited about this move as we have deep roots in the Rochester area. Our last day officially is August 1. We have listed our house for sale out here and will be looking to rent a place in the Churchville-Chili area.”

I hope you extend, along with me, arms of welcome to Greg, Tracy, Joshua, and Kaleb as they return “home!”