Danny Martinez Email

Special Ministry Announcement

My dear brothers and sisters in Christ and to all who read this correspondence,

Colossians 1:2 (ESV)

2 Grace to you and peace from God our Father.

Earlier this week our eldership learned of Pastor Danny accepting a Pastor of Discipleship position at First Reformed Church here in Lynden. His start date will be on November 1 and his last Sunday ministering at FCC will be on Oct. 13.

On the one hand we celebrate and are amazed as the Head of the church (Col. 1:18) with all His wisdom and authority, has moved one of His faithful shepherds into a new field of ministry (1 Cor. 3:9). On the other hand we grieve the unique loss of this long term spiritual leader of our flock.

Undoubtedly an element of shock and a vast range of emotions are being experienced right now even as you read this. These are normal feelings and highlight the important place that Pastor Danny has in all of our hearts.

As a church we want to work through the emotions we experience in a healthy fashion trusting the Lord who is, “good and Who does what is good.” (Psalm 119:68).

We marvel at His magnificence. (1 Tim. 6:15-19).

Toward the beginning of our worship gathering this Sunday we will have a chance to hear from Pastor Danny and then will call upon the Lord to help us celebrate and grieve through song, Scripture reading and a short message.

On Oct. 13 Pastor Danny will be preaching a final sermon to the FCC body. Following that service we will host a luncheon where we will be able to express our gratitude to the Lord for provision of Pastor Danny to the congregation for the last 9 years. More details in how you can participate in that God honoring event will be forthcoming.

The following are a few goals to aim at as we navigate these days:

We want to see God Glorified and see the Church Unified.

We want to celebrate and grieve.

In all things we want to be charitable and seek to discern the mysterious movement of the hand of God and recognize Jesus Christ is as the Preeminent Head of the Church. (Col. 1:18).

Here is a video of Pastor Danny sharing this news with the students in his ministry.

LINK

Obviously this is a sensitive time for all of us. We want to be honest and transparent with one another so that we can remain unified as we go forward. As we eagerly maintain the bond of peace (Eph. 4:3), let us be gracious and compassionate to one another.

The eldership is aware of the importance of student ministry and has already been specifically praying for God’s guidance in this transition, knowing that Jesus loves these students more than we do.

Please be in prayer for our leadership and don’t forget to, “Praise God from Whom all blessings flow.”

Romans 11:33–36 ESV

33 Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways! 34 “For who has known the mind of the Lord, or who has been his counselor?” 35 “Or who has given a gift to him that he might be repaid?” 36 For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen.

With sincere pastoral care,

Pastor Shawn Clarke