Personal from Ministerial and Member Services

This past Sabbath, I had the opportunity to attend services with the brethren in our Roanoke, Virginia, congregation. I made the trip primarily to show our appreciation for the service Mike and Rita Arritt have rendered to our brethren there for the past five years after Mike became pastor. David Mills had just retired and Mike was asked to become pastor of the congregation. Mike has served faithfully since he was ordained an elder on Sept. 15, 1994. Of course, his wife, Rita, has also faithfully served along with him.

I had the opportunity to get to know Mike and Rita rather well as they graciously hosted me in their home twice in the last several weeks. They naturally made me feel right at home! We also shared the long 2 ½ hour drive to services twice. It is a very beautiful drive through the mountains of West Virginia and Virginia. The trip last Sabbath was especially beautiful, but somewhat more dangerous as we encountered blowing snow for about 30 miles in both directions!

I greatly respect those who answer the call to the ministry of Jesus Christ and serve in ways that are pleasing to God the Father and Jesus Christ, sometimes at great personal sacrifice. I also greatly respect our members—our brethren—who work together with our ministers to please God and to serve one another.

Jay Ledbetter, along with his wife, Jennifer, will now serve the needs of our brethren in Roanoke. Of course, Mike and Rita will continue to serve our brethren there and to assist Mr. Ledbetter. We also greatly appreciate Jay and Jennifer’s service.

As King David once said, recorded for us in Psalm 133:1, “Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!”

We joked a bit about a “smooth transition” this past Sabbath in Roanoke as Mike & Rita, Jay & Jennifer and I were there together with God’s flock!

May we all serve together in unity from this day on!

Wishing you all a very inspiring and rejuvenating Sabbath!