Pastor Joe Gerault has recently submitted a letter to me and the personnel committee. He also wrote the following for our "Calvary Life" section in this Sunday's (6-10-12) bulletin:
"It has been my
privilege to serve God at Calvary for almost 19 years. God has shown many
times over the years that He has His hand on this church and is using it for
His Kingdom work. As a church, we have been blessed to join with God in
making a global impact in so many areas.
It has been a joy to remain in this one church for over half of the years that I have been serving God in ministry. I tell folks that I have served in about five or so churches in the past 19 years, and I’ve never moved. It has been awesome to watch how God has guided our church according to His purposes over the years.
As the symptoms of Ataxia have progressed, the Pastor and the Personnel Committee have graciously allowed me the flexibility and support to go half-time, then to one quarter time. However, the time has now come that I need to end my years on the paid staff of the church, effective at the first week of July.
Calvary Baptist Church is still our church and we are still fully committed to serving and worshipping here in the days ahead. As far as God has shown us in His plan for our lives, Janet and I do not have plans to move from the Valley. So you’ll still see me around Calvary. I just won’t be serving on staff. So, if you need a room unlocked, copies made, or a toilet is running, all I’ll be able to do is offer my sympathy!
Thank you again for the gift of serving the Lord at Calvary."
It has been a joy to remain in this one church for over half of the years that I have been serving God in ministry. I tell folks that I have served in about five or so churches in the past 19 years, and I’ve never moved. It has been awesome to watch how God has guided our church according to His purposes over the years.
As the symptoms of Ataxia have progressed, the Pastor and the Personnel Committee have graciously allowed me the flexibility and support to go half-time, then to one quarter time. However, the time has now come that I need to end my years on the paid staff of the church, effective at the first week of July.
Calvary Baptist Church is still our church and we are still fully committed to serving and worshipping here in the days ahead. As far as God has shown us in His plan for our lives, Janet and I do not have plans to move from the Valley. So you’ll still see me around Calvary. I just won’t be serving on staff. So, if you need a room unlocked, copies made, or a toilet is running, all I’ll be able to do is offer my sympathy!
Thank you again for the gift of serving the Lord at Calvary."
Joe Gerault
I have observed and admired Dr. Gerault's character and spirit in dealing with Ataxia. Not many of us could deal with such physical challenges in the gracious way in which Joe has. I regret that Ataxia will not allow Pastor Joe to continue serving on church staff. But I know that God will continue to use Joe to be a blessing to our church and to many people around him. His example, his prayers and his wisdom are of much value.
We are grateful for 19 years of ministry at Calvary. That is a rare thing in today's world! I know that throughout these 19 years, he has touched many lives and has loyally supported three different Senior Pastors in their particular visions and leadership styles. Since his last Sunday as part of our church staff will be July 8th, we will have a special time of prayer during our worship services for him. (Remember, he is not leaving Calvary but stepping down from his role in the pastoral staff).
We are not necessarily asking for a love offering for Pastor Joe (per his request). However, if people feel led to give an offering, he has asked that they give toward the Children's Building Loan as an expression of their gratitude.
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