Zoar Baptist Church

Dear Church Family and Fellow Zoarites:

As you all know by now, Marvin, our pastor and friend for over 13 years, submitted his resignation from Zoar Baptist Church on Sunday, June 15th, 2008. We were surprised and sadden to hear those words come from him. But as his letter to us clearly stated, Marvin is responding to God's call. He must follow that call, as we must, and through this know that God will continue to take care of our every need.

Your Deacons want to share these thoughts with you as we continue to go about doing the business of this church:

1. We have a strong and dependable staff that works hard to serve our Lord and you each day. This will continue without fail. You can depend on this. Each staff member is well trained, very knowledgeable, and motivated.

2. We will miss Marvin and Joy, but before he leaves we will honor them and their service to God and Zoar Baptist Church. We have much to be thankful for. Our blessings have been endless because of our relationship with God. In your bulletin we have announced July 6th, 2008 as Marvin Gobble Appreciation Day at Zoar. We will celebrate Marvin's 13 years of service that evening with a covered dish supper honoring Marvin and Joy. This day will be Marvin's last Sunday with us in the pulpit, as we will send him to Malawi the next Sunday, July 13th, on a mission trip. Make plans now to prepare that special meal for you and others to share, but don't stop there. Let Marvin and Joy know how you feel about his service. You will have the opportunity to share your thoughts with everyone and we all look forward to fun, fellowship, eating, and reminiscing while we laugh and cry.

3. Because of Marvin's leadership, Zoar has grown spiritually, financially and numerically. Zoar is in that top 10% of churches. We want to continue growing in all areas and we know it will take a devoted and dedicated staff and members to continue down the path we are on. A path with God as we seek his will in everything we do.

4. Your Deacons have already formed a committee to seek and select an interim pastor candidate for your consideration. We are blessed to have Dr. Robert Rose as an Associate Pastor who has served us well. Robert is a natural choice to lead us in this interim period and the committee and Robert are seeking God's will in discussions regarding a full time interim roll here at Zoar.

5. We are just a few weeks away from meeting and voting on candidates for the Minister of Music and Minister of Young People staff positions; the result of a lot of prayer and work by the Search Committees. We are excited about both candidates as I am sure you will be.

6. Our Nominating Committee will soon start work organizing a Search Committee for a Pastor. We have many members who are experienced, trained, motivated and ready to serve. Be prepared to serve when they call for this committee and any committee or position you are needed for. God's will must prevail; seek his guidance now and everyday. God is preparing someone now to lead us into the future and who will take us to the next levels of Christian growth and maturity.

Your Deacons will continue to seek God's will in serving you and this church. Please be in prayer daily for our church, our staff and leaders, and each other.

In Christ,



Your Deacons