Tabernacle Baptist Church 

of Fiskeville

Pastor’s Report ~ April 2007

TBC Goal:  to allow the love of Jesus the Christ to take shape in the believer and the believing community.

TBC 2007 Theme: Walking with Jesus

We are on a faith journey together.  Walking with Jesus is the focus of this journey.  As we journey together we are challenged to act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with our God.  My personal walk with Jesus was greatly enriched by my opportunity to walk again the shores of Galilee and the Via Delarosa in Jerusalem, to visit the Garden of Olives and the site of the Garden Tomb along with many other places of significance in the life of Jesus while on my recent visit to Israel.  It is my prayer that as I share bits of this experience, you will be drawn into a greater understanding of what it means to walk with Jesus.

We continue to have several in our congregation who are in need of pastoral care.  I make this a priority in my ministry with you. This care has brought me to Rhode Island Hospital, Kent Hospital, Haven Health Center, Riverview Nursing Home, Shady Acres Nursing Home and Harborhill Assisted Living.  Home visits have been made following hospitalization and with those who are unable to attend congregational gatherings.  Our Deacons and members of the Mission and Outreach Board also assist by making visits and by keeping me aware of pastoral care needs.  It is this partnership that makes our shared ministry most effective.  Please continue to keep us apprised of pastoral care needs.

Another priority of our shared ministry is that of Inspiring Worship.  We appreciate all who have assisted with music accompaniment in this time of transition.  Please be in prayer that God will bring to us an organist or pianist who will commit to this ministry.  I seek to preach Biblical sermons that are inspiring and relevant to life today.  In January I was privileged to attend a conference on The Bible and the Church Today with leading contemporary Biblical scholar Marcus Borg and award winning preacher Barbara Brown Taylor providing several inspirational and thought provoking sessions.  Your feedback or suggestions for sermon topics are welcome.

In March I attended the final meeting of my second term serving on the Andover Newton Alum Board of Directors.  I will complete my obligations at the annual meeting of the Alum Association on May 17.  My successor as Senator for the Ministers Council of the American Baptist Churches of Rhode Island has been elected and will assume those responsibilities in June. 

It is my privilege to represent our American Baptist Churches of RI on the Board of Governors for the RI State Council of Churches.  This gives me contact with our ecumenical community and helps to keep me abreast of faith issues across our state and denominations. 

I recognize my need to be intentional in maintaining my own devotional life and my covenant relationship with colleagues in ministry.  I strive to keep The Covenant and Code of Ethics for Ministerial Leaders of American Baptist Churches. It is my prayer that I will allow the love of Jesus the Christ to take shape in me and flow through me as I humbly walk with God and you in our shared ministry here at Tabernacle Baptist Church.

Joyously,

Joyce B. Duerr, Pastor

What does the Lord require of me? To act justly, to love mercy and to walk humbly with God.

Micah 6:8