On September 10, 2017, our 169th Homecoming Celebration, we hosted
Steve Clayton as our guest preacher. He recounted memories of Mount
Hermon and our hope for the future. We have continued to make memories
these past twelve months, memories worth cherishing, as they remind us of
God’s constant provision and care over us as a church.
It was only a year ago that you sent me on Sabbatical. I spent time with
Italian nuns, Palestinian Christians, and rabbis praying for the consolation of
Israel. I visited where Mary and Joseph became parents. I swam in the lake upon which Jesus walked. I stood on the spot where Paul preached to
Athenians about the God who came down to earth proclaiming Good News to the world. They were memories I will forever cherish.
As I was away, Steve Paschall, John Frederick, and our deacons took the helm of Mount Hermon and steered her faithfully. You all formed memories at Camp Cheerio, the Veterans Day lunch, and every Sunday you gathered to worship God. And when we were reunited in December, we continued to
make memories.
It snowed a few times last winter, but the most memorable for me was the
afternoon we gathered at Steve and Dixie Paschall’s barn for our Country
Christmas Gathering. A light flurry barely survived the warm ground as we sang Christmas songs inside, songs we would enjoy once again the following week for our Christmas musical, The Greatest Story Ever Told. I
imagine even as you are reading this, you are recalling one of these songs in
your heart.
Through this year we sought to deepen our discipleship to Jesus Christ. The
women gathered for Bible studies on the book of Ruth and “Knowing God
by Name.” Sundays we walked through Advent, Christmas, Lent, and
Easter. Over the summer we considered the miracles of Jesus and what they can teach us about the Gospel and our Father in Heaven. Most recently on
Wednesdays we have begun the book of Jeremiah, a prophet who called
God’s people to repentance.
As we worked on ourselves, we also improved the grounds God has given to
us. We added an AED in case of cardiac emergencies. We installed a new air conditioner, new ovens, and new energy-efficient lights. Just in time for
Homecoming this year, we have added blinds to many of our windows. And we cannot forget how Dan Vogel has contributed so much in beautifying the church, from the flowers for our services and events to the flowers along the outside of the sanctuary. And the perceptive eye has noticed the pumpkins growing in the front of the church!
We remember those we have lost through the year: Virginia Hicks, Shirley
Webster, Doris Breeze, Larceny McFarland, John Winston, James Harper,
and Lilian Pearson whose passing we learned of this year. We also remember those who made commitments to Christ, especially those who were baptized, Roger Brooks Jr. and Chris Baldwin. We remember celebrating five years of Peggy Mason serving as church secretary. We
remember birthdays and anniversaries and remind us time and again of
God’s love.
As we are one the cusp of celebrating 170 years at Mount Hermon, may we continue to recall and retell the memories of the family of God. They indeed point to all that our Father in Heaven has done for us. They further point to
the glories in store for those who follow Jesus Christ as Lord.
Pastor Rich
Deaths
Lilian Pearson (2014)
Virginia Hicks
Shirley Webster
Doris Breeze
Larcenie McFarland
John Winston
James Harper
Yates collaboration
Youth yard sale
Increase the budget for children and youth
Children and Youth Pastor
The glory of Christ Fellowship Choir
OCC
Celebrate Recovery
NC Baptist Foundation Grant