We had a wonderful time yesterday worshiping with Kyle, Julie, and Florence. Seeing her dedicated to the Lord was moving. Cathy and her other grandmother cried! We know you were in great hands with Dr. Dave Williams, who led the retreat on Saturday and worship on Sunday.  He had something to say about you that I wanted you to see. 

“How truly wonderful and delightful it is to see brothers and sisters living together in sweet unity!” Psalms 133:1 TPT 

Good morning, brother! I trust you had a great time with your son and his family in Charlottesville yesterday. We did our best to hold down the fort!

I can’t begin to put into words how blessed we were to be with you and the rest of the church family at Hanover this past weekend. As I told the congregation on Sunday morning, Carol and I have never felt more warmly welcomed and genuinely loved and appreciated by God’s people. This is a pure gift from the Lord, and it is just as precious as our next breath or heartbeat.

I have no doubt that our experience of Spirit-filled hospitality is also a direct reflection of the way you and Cathy have sought to shepherd the flock entrusted to your care. Thank you, dear friends, for your faithful and sacrificial service on behalf of our brothers and sisters at Hanover Friends. Your ministry is bearing beautiful fruit for the sake of Christ and his Kingdom!

Please thank everyone again for taking such good care of us, for their strenuous level of preparation and engagement in the retreat process, for their receptivity to the message we were called to share, and for the very generous honorarium we received as well.

Press on, my friend. The Lord is with you, and the best is yet to come!

Dave

Pastor Ed