A Pastoral Note from Pastor Alvis

Good evening to everyone.

I am posting an email from our Pastor because I believe you will find it encouraging to read. He is specifically speaking about ministering to the "Senior Saints" in our church family. My heart was warmed as I read it and I hope that yours will be blessed too.  Bob

May 27, 2020

Good morning,

One of the unusual blessings of our ministry together is a shared love for our senior saints.  We have watched our folks care for aging parents, minister tangibly through meeting needs, and initiating rest home ministries and seasonal gifts.  I find that every age group has evidenced a respect and appreciation for those who have loved the Lord, their families, and us.  I love our seniors.  In fact, high on our list of concerns during this epidemic is that about 25% of our congregation are “high risk” because of age or other physical challenges.

My earliest pastorate began in 1986 when I was 25 years old.  If I remember correctly, the average age of the North Carolina country church was 60+.  The church name and the community name was “Christian Light”.  It was one of eight churches started by my friend Eric’s grandfather.  He rode the circuit and rotated Sundays between the churches with laymen speaking on the “off” weeks.  

This was my earliest exposure to community Christianity.  Not all in the community were believers, but the “Christian Light” community loved and cared for on another in an exceptional way.   They took us in as a young pastor’s family and loved us in simple, tangible ways.  They were patient with my fervor and warm towards my earliest preaching efforts.  They loved our kids (Chad and Sommer) and gathered them close without reservation.  I had no idea of how blessed we were.  Too young, too busy, too dense.

Now I understand better God’s goodness in affording us the presence and participation of senior saints.  

As I deliver CDs and hardcopy emails to these dear folks, I am greeted with warm appreciation and kind words.  Regularly, I receive a note or email of encouragement.  Some have come by to visit at the pavilion.  Although unworthy of such love, I am blessed by each one.  The simple faith wedded to the years of experience is most inviting.  The readiness to speak of God’s goodness with an unentangled openness is a model for us all.  The simplicity of lifestyle and thoughtfulness is an example of “seasoning” grace.  Without exception, our seniors are God’s gift to us.

Last week, I received a few apples from the hand of one of these saints.  Other times, special foods, books to read and share, some returned paper clips, knowing that we use them weekly to distribute email copies.  Notes, kind words, and gentle support go a long way to communicate love.  Laura, from time to time says, “I hope that I am like that as I grow older”.  

We both realize that we are becoming now who we will be then.  We pray for more of Christ and less of self.  Seasoned saints are God’s gift to His church.  Our thanks to God for you and to you for ministering to our church family.

The psalmist says, “I have been young and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken” (Psalm 37:25).  He prays, “Cast me not off in the time of old age: forsake me not when my strength faileth” (Psalm 71:9,18)  He adds, “Those that be planted in the house of the Lord shall flourish in the courts of God.  They shall still bring forth fruit in old age; they shall be fat and flourishing; to show that the Lord is upright: He is my rock and there is no unrighteousness in Him” (Psalm 92:13-15).

With love and appreciation,  

Pastor