On Sunday, summer student pastor David Loew held his final pulpit assignment at the Christian Reformed Church in Emo, leading both the morning and evening services.
During coffee break after the morning service, the congregation and Pastor Dave, along with his wife, Dawn, and son, Elijah, shared two huge decorated marble cakes centered on two tables.
Pastor Dave’s presence was felt by every one of us. Both he and his wife were involved in all parts of the church ministry, whether it be with the children, young people, middle aged, or seniors.
He knew how to deal with each group faithfully.
His sermon topics—“God has shown us the way” and “Love God with your whole being”—illustrated the message within and showed that there is wisdom and faith our there.
We just must show a willingness to get a grip of it.
“This summer, we have seen our child crawl and grow teeth,” noted Pastor Dave. “My wife has remembered what free time was like, and I have seen my calling to the ministry affirmed over and over again.
“The young people have brought me great joy this summer,” he added. “Remember, they are the future of Emo, so take special care of the future.”
Pastor Dave said he also has learned so much from watching and listening to parents and right up through the elderly of the Christian Reformed Church in Emo.
“Often, such fonts of wisdom and faith are so close, we can look past them,” he warned. “I would encourage you all to take time to listen to one another’s stories. They add so much to life.”
At the conclusion of the evening service, Theo DeGroot presented an appreciation gift to Pastor Dave and his family, wishing them the best in their future endeavours.
The family left Monday for Grand Rapids, Mich. They can be reached at dloew7@calvin.edu or desertwind7@msm.com
Retired minister John Jongsma, last year’s summer pastor at the Emo C.R.C., will be in the pulpit this Sunday (Aug. 17) through Sunday, Sept. 14.
John and his wife, Marie, have been vacationing in our district and attending worship service here.
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