What a wonderful celebration we had last night in thanksgiving for Jamie and Sharon Forrest's four decades of ministry, especially their 30 years in the Diocese of Pittsburgh and their 18+ years with us at St. David's. In the early years of his episcopacy, Bishop Duncan used to encourage us to "be ourselves at out best". This was so true for St David's on Sunday. The whole parish came together as family and honored the true senior pastor and his senior associate. It was an honor and privilege to be part of it all. There were over two hundred present for the reception and program including sixteen clergy from all over the diocese. I know Archbishop Bob and Nara were blessed to be with us and see how the Lord has been moving in our parish these latter days.
I want to thank all of you who contributed in any way for your generosity in honoring Jamie and for all your hard work, special thanks goes out to the those who cleaned up the the building and set up the parish hall, the reception committee, the photographers, the speakers and musicians, and our praise and worship team. And having Christopher and Janet Leighton return to honor Jamie and Sharon and to be part of our fellowship once again was a special treat. It was a wonderful to have him preside at the Lord's Table at both services on Sunday morning. One of our 10:30 parishioners commented to me, "Whenever Christopher comes to our church the Holy Spirit inevitably comes in power". Thank you Jesus
Sounds like a wonderful event, with much love and all blessings showered on Jamie and Sharon. They have been such faithful and good ministers of prayer and spiritual encouragement for all of us for so many years . . . . (Jamie and I also share the same excellent taste in our love for the classical era of the American automobile, so we are deeply kindred spirits in that way as well . . . .)
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