Two Services
September 4th, 2012Below is an open letter to Tabernacle’s members and attenders as we start a two-services schedule and our pastor returns from sabbatical.
——————
Dear Saints,
In addition to having extra family time, study time, prayer time, etc., one of the great things about the sabbatical has been attending worship at Tabernacle on the Sundays we’ve been in town. I think one of the best indicators of Tabernacle’s health is the vitality that exists here without the constant presence of the pastor. I heard wonderful things about the 84 backpacks for foster kids all being filled and the amazing missions night with the Guatemala team! Not to mention the truly remarkable way this church worships without depending on your primary preacher—I trust you all share the tremendous respect I have for our ruling elders who filled the pulpit in my absence!
Every pastor wonders if the congregation will miss him when he’s away. It’s tricky actually. A pastor shouldn’t be missed so much that the church can’t function without him, but neither should he be considered an ancillary appendage that the church can do without. I’m really thankful to be called to Tabernacle as your pastor. I’m really looking forward to being back, and to being a part of our multiplying ministry as we go to two services.
Are you ready for two services!? None of us are entirely. It will be different, and there will be things you’ll miss about the old schedule, but we believe God wants us to welcome more people into the Tabernacle family, and that He wants to bless us for our faithfulness. Two services will not only relieve our crowding on mornings like this past Sunday (201 people!), it will create an earlier opportunity for people to worship who might not be able to (or want to) come to an 11:00am service. So pray about how you will help and who you’ll invite, and I’ll see you at either the 8:30 or 11:00am worship service this Sunday!
His and yours,
Essen
