November 28, 2023 “His lord said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.” Matthew 25:21 Today’s Tuesday Brief is about two congregations, one at the front end of their journey together as a faith family, and the other at the end of a decades-long journey. Crossroads Church in Caldwell, Idaho has been meeting together these last three years, planted out of Crossroads, Nampa, by Pastors Beth and Jeff Stockett. They have built an amazing team of servants whose mission is to be people committed to God’s call. I love the ways in which they describe themselves! (A selection of statements from their website): We want to be a church that … Is unwavering on the gospel message but flexible and Spirit-led in the method Desires authenticity Stewards HIS church well Understands that we are all at different points in the journey Mirrors the early church Is gathered and scattered Crossroads Church formally affiliated as an EMC Congregation just about two weeks ago, on November 15th, 2023. ISN’T THAT MARVELOUS? WE PRAISE THE LORD FOR YOU ALL!!
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While there is no doubt that we rejoice at the birth of new things, it is good to be reminded that longevity and faithfulness are virtues that are to be deeply honored. On November 19th, Judy and I, Brian Hammond, and Aaron and Annette Withrow and their family had the joy and privilege of worshipping in the last weekend service of a congregation that has been meeting for worship and fellowship for over 70 years! Covington First EMC, in Covington, Kentucky, formally affiliated with the EMC in February of 1954. Wow! This warm, and loving faith family has been a beacon of life and truth all these years. Countless people have come to know the Lord at Covington First, and several have gone on to fulltime vocational Christian service as pastors and ministry spouses including one of our most beloved pastors – Rev. Floyd B’Hymer. He met and married his wife JoAnn there, and together they served the Lord for decades in the EMC, eventually in the Superintendency. The legacy of Covington First EMC will live on, because its accumulated assets will be invested in areas of future ministry, most likely in a newly created EMC Youth Fund, or the Church Planting Legacy Fund. Well done! precious saints of Covington First. We love you, and thank God for your life-long service!