New Ministry Opportunity

[Dave Roberts]

It was settled yesterday that I will begin June 22nd serving as interim pastor for Calvary Baptist Church in Roanoke, VA. It is a church where I visited with an uncle and aunt who were active there for half a century. It is also a church with which I interviewed for an associate position in my last year in seminary. I look forward to the opportunity to serve with this downtown urban church with a great history and many challenges. Thank you in advance for your prayers as I share in this opportunity.

[Haruo]

May God grant you and this church much mutual encouragement and joy.

[Mrs Haruo]

I look forward to hearing more about your experiences at this position. Will keep you in my prayers.

[Ed Pettibone]

[ET]

Congrats, Dave. My in-laws live in Roanoke....we'll be up there over the 4th of July weekend....be heading back on Sat afternoon, so I won't be able to stay for Sunday preachin' .

[Dave Roberts]

[Tim Bonney]

[Sandy]

Congratulations!

I didn't realize that Roanoke warranted a description of "inner city, urban." That's the kind of church ministry that's always had an appeal to me.

[Dave Roberts]

[ET]

[KeithE]

Congratulations. My on-line judgment is that you would be very good in that role.

[James]

Dave, it seems to me that you have had some recent experience with just that kind of church. We are meeting our challenges one by one and moving forward in the faith that God is not done with us yet. More than anything else you gave us hope for the future. May God grant you blessings to do the same for Calvary Baptist.

[Sandy]

How long have they been without a pastor, Dave? Took a look at their website and see that they're coming off of a period with a supply preacher. It's hard to tell by looking at a website, but the bulletin seems to indicate some active ministry. I look forward to hear how things are going.

[Dave Roberts]

[Mrs Haruo]

On outdated church websites--- I think a lot of churches are overlooking an important form of outreach in this day and age-- an attractive easy to navigate website that is kept regularly updated. Since we moved a few years ago I have looked at more church websites trying to get a flavor of what the many local churches have to offer in ministries that may or not meet my needs or interests at the present time, basically get an idea of where I might fit in. Some are great, others not so. Many vague about theology or denominational affiliation. With chronic health problems that make any situation where I am stuck in a noisy crowd stressful and draining, I like to have some idea of what kind of worship style I am getting into before I find myself getting overtired in a church that isn't a good fit for me in the first place.

[Dave Roberts]

I'm celebrating having shared a great first day on Sunday, June 22nd, with the folks at Calvary Baptist in Roanoke, VA. They were so welcoming and supportive as we began the day together. The elevator in the building had been hit by lightning, but a 97-year-old insisted on climbing the steps to the sanctuary. A small group who could not climb steps listened from the downstairs parlor. The music was excellent, and they were kind about the preaching.

Sunday night, we had gospel artist Gordon Mote in concert (not traditional music for the congregation, but something several had wanted. It was nice to share. Then they topped the day off with cobbler and ice cream. What better ending could you have?

[Tim Bonney]

Sounds like a great experience Dave!

[Bruce Gourley]

It does indeed sound like you and Calvary had a wonderful Lord's Day.

[Mrs Haruo]

Nothing like a good old fashioned bowl of fruit cobbler to help get acquainted

[Dave Roberts]