This past Sunday morning, Larry read the following letter
at the conclusion of both worship services at Tallowood Baptist Church.
June 27, 2021
Dear Tallowood Family,
This morning I am sharing with you the conclusion of a call
that started on January 1, 1979, when I began at Tallowood as Junior High
Minister. Over the past four decades my responsibilities have progressed into
my current role in leading our pastoral care ministries.
But in prayer over the past few months, Debbie and I have
sensed that that particular call is drawing to an end, and the Lord is calling
us to a new focus of our lives and ministry.
So, with a combination of sadness and excitement, with both
grief and gratitude, I announce today that I will be retiring from my position
as Tallowood’s Associate Pastor on September 30, 2021. Debbie and I look forward
to being able to spend more time with one another and serve one another and our
family, too. There will also be a freedom to respond to new opportunities for
ministry beyond the walls of our church.
We don’t know all of what’s ahead, but we trust that the God
who called us here over 42 years ago is calling us now just as clearly as then.
To this same God, Debbie and I offer our same love, our same faith, and our
same obedience for as long as he gives us breath.
And to you, our church family, we offer our thanks and love
for all of these years and all the ones yet to come.
Gratefully,
Larry Bertrand
Although we do not know future specifics at this time, we do
know that God will continue to be with us, lead us, and provide
opportunities to further His Kingdom’s work.
In response, we desire to trust and obey.
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares
the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and
a future.”
Jeremiah 29:11
Not to us, LORD, not to
us
but to
your name be the glory,
because
of your love and faithfulness.
Psalm 115:1
Trust in the LORD with all
your heart
and
lean not on your own understanding;
in all your ways submit to him,
and he
will make your paths straight.
Proverbs 3:5-6
God is faithful, who has called you into
fellowship with his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.
1 Corinthians 1:9
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