Life Church and Board of Deacons, thank you...

... so much for honoring our wonderful pastors last week…you’re the best! Romans 13:7 (NLT2) ⁷ …Give respect and honor to those who are in authority. 

Elders of Heart --Years ago I was at the altar begging God for His help and His blessings. I told Him how I needed help here at Life Church (Then Leesburg First A/G). He spoke to me and told me that He had already sent the help I needed and I just needed to acknowledge them and allow them to minister along side of me. Lord, can you be a little more specific? He said, I have sent all these retired ministers to help you and to hold your arms up, you just need to ask them and they will gladly help you. Really? They are retired! Yes, they are, but they want to still be used for Me. These Elders of Heart (retired ministers) are worthy of your honoring of them because of how they have followed righteousness and mercy. They have truly been a blessing to me for many years. Let’s celebrate them: Vern and Millie Baumruk, Don and Pam Ewart, Ken and Pat Fleming, Walter and Ella Martin, Richard Maynard, Gerald and Linda Messman, Harry and Mertha Neff, Richard and Nancy Newton, and Freda Wright.

Dr. Stephen Duke – He helps us with counseling every week and is here to minister great wisdom to those who are going through tough life situations. Thank you, Dr. Duke!

Pastoral Staff  -- I am sure you are aware that it is absolutely necessary for the success of a church to have a pastoral team that has the same heart and the same spirit. We must be one as we serve together. My philosophy of ministry is servant leadership and my pastors must be here to serve God and serve people. Being a pastor simply means you are responsible to serve more people. We honor: Harriet Browne – Minister of Heart Joseph and Jan Diaz – Oversees our CG and helps with pastoral care. Dwaine and Elaine Umbel – These guys were extremely successful and loved in the ministry before they came to us. They help also with pastoral care, communion, and have gifts of encouragement. Marty and Faye Morelli – Senior adult minister, altar ministry, welcome room, and many other things that bless Life Church. Aaron and Tatyana Baty – These guys have taken our worship to the next level. Our music department was struggling when they came…they turned it around. A team of about 40 is now a team of around 150. Juan and Kacey Rodriguez – He ministers to our youth, young adults, and Spanish Ministry. What a blessing they are. Mark and Christie Ann Lojuidice – Pastor Mark has become more than a children’s pastor, he has become my associate pastor, a confidant, a sound board, a brother who listens to my frustrations and still respects me. He has become a very dear friend.

Tricia Welborne – Pastor Juan did a great thing when he honored my sweet wife. A pastor’s wife has a tough job but she handles it well and is loved and respected, not just by you, but by me. Love you so much, Tricia!