Dear Family,

I spent a good portion of last week with 63 teenagers and adults from various parts of the state.  They gathered in Richmond for Urban Impact, a ministry of the VBMB,  and I had the good fortune of serving as Camp Pastor.  It was a significant week of worship, mission, and introduction to churches serving in an urban environment. I am really looking forward to sharing some insight about the week as God changed lives and there are some amazing stories to told.  However, today I would like to share a thought about the  perception of Tabernacle Baptist Church through the eyes of many that had not seen us before.  We brought two teams into the church to serve in various capacities:
*  help prepare supplies for the upcoming mission trip to New York
* organize closets with supplies used in children and youth ministries.
* weed the little plot on the outskirts of the Meadow Street Parking Lot (ask me sometime about what they found in the little “garden”)
* tutor children and teenagers at colonial apartments
*create a bulletin board to promote the ministry of Lindsay Comstock
* hang a large picture of our church family engaged in social ministry (e.g. stable roots, Fan Feast, Food Pantry, the Coppages in Hungary ,etc.)
* take twenty refugee resettlement and inner city children/teenagers to Maymont and a festival at Mt. Tabor Baptist Church
* bag food in the pantry to prepare for Thursday

I can’t begin to tell you how enlightening it was to see the church through the eyes of these kids as they served.  If you look at the above list you will discover a church that is reaching out to the world, engaged in the city, and sharing the light of Christ in dynamic ways.  You will also see the beautiful picture of a universal church coming together with a knowledge that we are stronger when we are united.  I am more and more convinced daily that we are in a unique position to facilitate ministry in our city.  God is using our resources, our location, our facilities, and, more importantly, OUR PEOPLE to facilitate authentic ministry and equip people to use their gifts in the Kingdom of God. We are blessed to be involved in so many little corners of the world and, simultaneously, we are blessed to find the world on our doorstep.  The mandate of Christ-like hospitality has never been more clear and the call to organize is upon us.  These are good days and I am incredibly proud to serve as your Pastor.

Hope to see you on Sunday.

Yours in Christ,

Sterling W. Severns
Pastor

Tabernacle Baptist Church
1925 Grove Avenue
Richmond, Virginia 23220

Dear Family,

In two short weeks we will witness the beginning of a new chapter in the amazing life of Rev. Cecil Gholston.  Our beloved Associate Pastor will make the transition into his new position as Pastor Emeritus in the month of August. It is difficult to convey the depth of my appreciation for everything this man of God brings to this place.  His career and life experiences have literally taken him to the ends of the world and back home again. These experiences have afforded Cecil a great level of wisdom, patience, and perspective.  The level of commitment and faithfulness that he has exhibited in his career(s) is a true testament to his character and desire to serve in Christ’ Kingdom.  Cecil Gholston is one of the finest clergymen I’ve ever encountered and I consider it a honor to continue to serve beside him. Personally speaking, I am grateful for his willingness to guide me along in my first Pastorate and I am counting on him to continue to do so in the years ahead. I am equally grateful for his guidance in so many of our seminarians lives. Much of the reputation we have gained over these last several years for equipping young ministers is directly related to the care Cecil has offered to them.  Spend any amount of time catching up with Keith, Susan, Byron, Bryn, Nathan, Jason, Erin, Susan, Amanda, Justin, Renee, Lindsay, Josh, Eric, etc. and you will inevitably find them asking you about Cecil.  The same is true of countless individuals throughout the city of Richmond.  Cecil has cared for our elders for over 10 years now.  The care has come in form of teaching, personal visits, extensive correspondence, and innumerable phone calls. His steady presence in so many lives has exhibited the love of God where is has been needed the most.

Cecil will be the first to acknowledge that he didn’t know what he was getting into when he first arrived over a decade ago.  He knew the church had a need for leadership but only intended on staying a short while.  The “short term position” has now extended in 2008 and, by God’s grace, he will continue to play a key role in the life of the church for years to come.  I would imagine that he would tell you today, “I still have no idea what I’m getting myself into but I’m certain that this is where I want to be”.   We celebrate Cecil’s tenure among us and treasure the days ahead.  Please join the Deacons as they are currently making plans for his Installation Service in the month of September.  Take some time to wrap your arms around this servant and let him know how much he means to you.  God bless you Cecil.  We love you.

Yours in Christ,
Sterling W. Severns
Pastor